Training elephant keepers in Kerala

Kochi, Oct 27 (AN): Elephant keepers or mahouts were trained how to control the elephants during a procession at five-day camp in Kerela.

Organised in association with the Animal Husbandry Department, Elephant Owners Association and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the programme is mainly intended to impart scientific aspects of captive elephant management and providing practical tips in the wake of recent mishaps caused by these pachyderms during the festivals.

"The purpose of the training is to make the mahouts to come into contact with one another so that the practices will be uniform throughout the state," said Dr. Muralidharan Nair, veterinary doctor.

A detailed session was also held to spread awareness among the mahouts about the Wildlife Protection Act.

There are around 700 captive elephants in Kerala and around 20 of them died in this year due to various reasons. (ANI)