Elephants to replace vehicles in zoo safaris

Bangalore, Feb 27: The Karnataka Forest Department proposes to introduce elephants to carry tourists on safaris inside national parks and forest areas replacing vehicles, State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests A K Verma said.

Speaking to newspersons yesterday on the sidelines of a workshop organised by Jungle Resorts Limited here, he said on a trial basis, it would be introduced in Badra sanctuary and Shimoga forest areas and depending on the response, it would be extended to other areas.''However, we have to study how much load the elephant can carry, its food and whether tourists would accept it or not as elephant rides take longer time to cover the distance,'' he added.

To a question, Mr Verma said there were about 200 tamed elephants with the department and if it could replace vehicles, it would help in controlling pollution inside the forests. Many tourists also prefer riding on elephants instead of going in vehicles, he added.

UNI