Elephant park at BBP soon

BANGALORE: The 14 elephants at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) will no longer be shackled or put as display items in their enclosures.They will be left free inside the safari with no interference from human beings.In accordance with guidelines laid down by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), the new concept called ‘Elephant Park’ is being implemented at the BBP.The CZA sent a circular to all the state governments, banning chaining and displaying of elephants in public.While all the other zoos and parks are yet to implement this order, the BBP has already taken measures in this regard.The authorities have identified 100 acres inside the BBP with water bodies where all the 14 elephants will be let frew.Fodder and foliage will be offered to the jumbos every day despite their presence there.Explaining the concept of the ‘Elephant Park’, Executive Director of BBP Dr R Raju told Express, “Elephant is a wild animal which likes to live in forests.The pachyderms love to walk 30-40 km daily in search of food.They develop several diseases when they are restricted to an enclosure due to the lack of physical exercise.” He further said, “The park will be located near the Herbivores Park, and a final decision in this regard will be taken in a few days.” About the proposed elephant park, he said, “Just like lion and tiger safaris, tourists will be taken inside the elephant park in Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation buses and jeeps.” He said, “The park will become a reality in a couple of weeks.Once the approval comes, the boundary walls will be strengthened.Also deep pits will be dug so that the jumbos do not cross the park area.Any orphaned jumbo calves found in other forests can be rehabilitated in this park,” the Executive Director added.