NewKerala.com

Key Points

More than 50 animal protection groups are urging state governments to stop a baby elephant's transfer to a Tamil Nadu temple. They warn this move violates multiple animal protection laws and would cause the wild calf lifelong suffering. The groups have offered to donate a mechanical elephant as a modern, cruelty-free alternative for temple ceremonies. This comes after the temple's previous elephant died following years of illness from confinement.

Key Points: Animal Groups Oppose Baby Elephant Transfer to Tirunelveli Temple

  • Transfer violates Wildlife Protection Act and 2024 Captive Elephant Rules
  • Temple's previous elephant died after years of confinement illness
  • Male elephants face extreme cruelty during musth periods
  • Groups offer to donate a mechanical elephant as compassionate alternative
2 min read

Animal welfare groups oppose baby elephant's transfer from Uttarkhand to Tirunelveli temple

Over 50 animal protection groups urge halt to wild baby elephant transfer from Uttarakhand to a Tamil Nadu temple, citing animal cruelty laws and offering mechanical alternatives.

"moving a wild calf of less than two years into temple captivity would cause lifelong suffering - Animal Protection Groups"

Chennai, Aug 27

More than 50 animal protection groups across India have urged the governments of Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand to immediately halt the proposed transfer of a baby elephant from Uttarakhand to the Arulmigu Nellaiyappar Arultharum Kanthimathiamman Temple in Tirunelveli.

The appeal, addressed to Tamil Nadu’s Ministers for Forests and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments and to Uttarakhand’s Forest Minister, warns that moving a wild calf of less than two years into temple captivity would cause lifelong suffering and violate multiple laws, including the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

According to enquiries, the Uttarakhand Forest Department verbally confirmed that the elephant is a wild male calf. The temple’s earlier elephant, Gandhimati, died in January 2025 after years of illness, including diabetes and severe arthritis from confinement. Chennai-based People for Cattle India (PFCI), one of the signatories, has offered to donate a mechanical elephant to the temple as a compassionate alternative.

They noted that elephants in captivity are often broken through violent training, chained for life, and suffer isolation and abuse. Male elephants, in particular, face cruelty during musth, sometimes leading to fatal attacks on handlers or devotees.

In November 2024, elephant Deivanai killed her mahout and his relative in Tiruchendur, while past years have seen similar incidents in Trichy and other parts of India. The groups also cited a 2021 Madras High Court order that barred temples and private entities from acquiring new elephants, except for medical treatment.

They urged that the calf, instead of being forced into captivity, should be rewilded with expert help or relocated to a sanctuary where it can live unchained among its species. Advocating modern practices, the coalition highlighted that at least 20 temples in South India already use mechanical elephants, 11 of which were donated by PETA India.

In June this year, actor Trisha Krishnan and PFCI gifted one such elephant, “Gaja,” to temples in Aruppukottai. The joint appeal, signed by animal welfare organisations from across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and other regions, called on authorities to prioritise compassion and conservation over outdated practices of elephant captivity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone who visits temples regularly, I fully support mechanical elephants. Tradition is important but not at the cost of animal suffering. The recent incidents with temple elephants show how dangerous this practice can be for both humans and animals.
A
Arjun K
The government must enforce existing laws! Wildlife Protection Act clearly prohibits this. Why are we even debating when there are legal provisions against such transfers? Authorities need to act responsibly.
S
Sarah B
I visited a temple in Kerala that uses a mechanical elephant - it was beautiful and respectful. The children loved it and no animal had to suffer. More temples should adopt this compassionate approach.
M
Michael C
While I respect religious traditions, capturing wild animals for temple use is simply cruel. The poor baby elephant deserves to live free in its natural habitat. Hope the authorities make the right decision.
K
Karthik V
The previous elephant died from captivity-related illnesses - diabetes and arthritis! That should be lesson enough. We can't keep repeating the same mistakes. Time to evolve our practices with compassion.

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