Dasara jumbo team to get fresh faces this year

MYSURU, 14 July,2016 (The Hindu):The elite Dasara jumbo team may get a few fresh faces with the Forest Department planning to include new female elephants in this year’s contingent. With over two months left for the Dasara festivities, the department has started preparations to bring the elephants to Mysuru from their jungle camps. Deputy Conservator of Forests K. Kamala recently visited over a dozen elephant camps in Bandipur, Nagarahole and Kodagu to take stock on the health of the Dasara elephants. She was accompanied by a team of forest veterinarians, who found all the jumbos in good health and fit for the task. As of now, there seems to be no change in the male team, with Arjuna continuing to lead the group. A few female elephants that were part of the 2015 batch may be out of action this year. Some new jumbos may be kept on standby. The elephants shortlisted will be discussed by a committee of senior forest officials and the final list will be made based on their health and other issues. The final call on the selected ones rests with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Ms. Kamala told The Hindu that she visited camps in Dubare, Anechowkur, Thithimathi, Murkal, Balle and other forest ranges. She said she would also visit BRT tiger reserve to check the status of elephants housed in the camp there. No pregnant jumbos “There are several parameters for a new member to be included in the team. All elephants that took part in the Dasara festivities last year are in good health. [Elephant] Chaitra will not be part of this year’s fete as she has just delivered a calf. In her place, we have to look for a new member,” she said. Chaitra, who was rested in 2014, was recalled last year. The existing female Dasara elephants will undergo health screening before they are finalised for the job. “We cannot use the services of pregnant jumbos,” Ms. Kamala said. Last year, the 12-member Dasara team included Arjuna, Balarama, Abhimanyu, Harsha, Prashantha, Vikrama, Cauvery, Chaitra, Kenchamba, Durgaparameshwari, Gopalaswamy and Gopi. Bheema, Srinivasa, and Jayaprakash did not get the department’s nod due to lack of experience.