Sakrebylu Elephant Camp Closed to Visitors, Low-Key World Elephant Day Observed

The Sakrebylu Elephant Camp near Shivamogga marked World Elephant Day on Wednesday with minimal fanfare, as the facility remains closed to the public. Ongoing civil works aimed at improving visitor safety are underway, with officials anticipating a reopening by the close of August. The camp has been inaccessible to tourists since May 21.

The closure followed a tragic incident at the Dubare elephant camp where a woman tourist died. An elephant involved in that incident also perished. In response, the department initiated the development of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for elephant camps to ensure the welfare of both visitors and animals.

For the World Elephant Day observance, camp staff decorated the elephants and performed special prayers. A drawing competition for students from the Morarji Desai Residential School in Gajanur was also organized. Prasanna Krishna Patagara, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), stated that the day was marked without special programs, focusing instead on the animals, special food, and prayers within the kraal area.