Jumbo calves in Jalpaiguri are specially trained for patrolling
By ANIThursday, February 25, 2010
JALPAIGURI - Wildlife authorities here are imparting special patrolling training to rescued elephant calves at the Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri District.
Buddhadeb Mondal, a forest ranger at the sanctuary, said six calves, ranging from three to four days to a year, are being trained.
“We have already rescued six elephant cubs and their age varies from 3-4 days old to 1 year old. Some experienced Mahouts (elephant riders) are giving training to these cubs so that we can use these cubs when they grow up for patrolling purposes,” said Mondal.
Ravi Biswasarma, a mahout, said, “These elephant calves are fed by us, and when they grow up, they will patrol the forest.”
According to forest sources, there are 17 captive elephants at the rehabilitation center.
India has over 50 percent of the world’s Asiatic elephant population.
A 2005 census showed there were 25,000 to 28,000 elephants in India, including 1,500 male tuskers of breeding age. (ANI)
