Two tuskers in Operation Gajendra sent back

Elephants on way to Orissa

As a part of Operation Gajendra, the Forest department who captured four wild elephants from a dense forest near Toorpuvalasa in Srikakulam district, sent two elephants to Orissa on Saturday evening.

The elephants were sent with escort and armed guards by separate lorries to Lakheri sanctuary in Gajapati district of Orissa. The trans location to their wild habitant is new strategy finalized in consultation with elephant expert from Assam Vijayanad Choudhury. The 20 member Hulla team that arrived from Midnapore of West Bengal is also kept stand by according to Conservator of Forests.

Out of the 11 elephants in the herd which strayed in Gummalakshmipuram forest area in Vizianagaram district two and half months ago, one died and another returned to the sanctuary. The expenditure on Operation Gajendra to be reimbursed under Project Elephant of the Ministry of Environmental and Forests.

Encyclopedia Reference: Elephant, Trample, Shifting