'His Health Is Fine': TN Officials After Leaving Wild Tusker 'Arikomban' Into Kanyakumari Forest

The forest officials said that Arikomban's new habitat has plenty of water and fodder.

'Arikomban' was given a shower in Madurai and Tirunelveli districts to help him manage the sweltering summer.

Source : ABP Nadu

After 24 hours of capturing, Tamil Nadu Forest Department freed 'Arikomban' in the forest of upper Kodayar in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district bordering Kerala on Tuesday. 'Arikomban', the wild elephant which was captured by the forest department on early Monday, was made to travel in a specially designed ambulance for 300 kilometers to reach his new abode. 

A senior forest department official told PTI on Tuesday, "The elephant’s health is fine, and his new habitat will ensure him plenty of water and good fodder."

Tamil Nadu Chief Wildlife Warden Srinivas R Reddy told PTI, “Arikomban was released in the upper reach of Kodayar this morning. His health is absolutely fine.”

On the concern of the people over the elephant attack, Srinivas Reddy said, "He has been left in the deep forest close to a waterbody with good fodder availability. Let’s hope he will not stray into habitation again."

On June 5, a team of forest department officials and veterinarians captured 'Arikomban' after successfully tranquilising him with two darts. Later, he was shifted to a specially designed ambulance with the help of kumkis. 

On the journey abutting the western ghats, 'Arikomban' was given a shower in Madurai and Tirunelveli districts to help him manage the sweltering summer.

The decision to tranquilise and relocate Arikomban was taken after the elephant led to the death of a resident. When ‘Arikomban’ went on to rampage in Cumbum district, he hit Paulraj, who was riding his two-wheeler. In the impact, Paulraj suffered injuries and later died without responding to treatment.  

Initially, ‘Arikomban’, the elephant known for its love for rice, was captured by Kerala government from the Chinnakanal forest range in Idukki district and relocated to Periyar Tiger Reserve on April 29. The elephant moved to Theni district from the reserve forest.

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