German girl renews friendship with a jumbo in TN

Trichi (Tamil Nadu), Feb 23: A German girl of Indian origin renewed her acquaintance with her beloved elephant Shanti in the Thiruvanaikaval or Jambukeswara Temple in Trichi, Tamil Nadu.

Seven-year-old Pooja, while on a visit to the Mudhumalai National Park in Ooty four year ago befriended Shanti. Thereafter, Pooja left for Germany but kept telling her father that she missed her favourite jumbo. Her father then accompanied her to India so that she could meet Shanti. Pooja said she liked feeding the elephants banana, tomatoes, oranges and apples for elephants.

Pooja is on a 10-day visit to India. She visits the temple everyday to ride on the Shanti's back. She also helps the jumbo with its daily chores, including its bath.

ANI