Wild elephant captured after month-long operation

The elephant had repeatedly entered villages near Palamaner, destroying crops and posing a threat to public safety

Metro India News | PALAMANER

The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has successfully captured a lone wild male elephant that had been roaming around the Palamaner region, damaging crops and creating fear among residents of nearby villages.

The operation, which lasted for more than a month, involved senior forest officials, field staff, veterinary experts and trackers. Estimated to be 15–18 years old, the elephant was captured in accordance with wildlife protection laws. The final phase of the operation, carried out on Wednesday, saw the participation of five trained kumki elephants from the Musalamadugu camp, which played a key role in subduing the animal.

A notable aspect of the operation was the participation of Forest Section Officer Sukumar, who had earlier been seriously injured in an attack by the same elephant. After recovering from his injuries, he rejoined the team and took part in the successful capture.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests and Environment Pawan Kalyan congratulated Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) P.V. Chalapathi Rao, Anantapur Circle Conservator Yashoda Bai, the Chittoor District Forest Officer, forest personnel, veterinary experts, trackers and mahouts for carrying out the operation successfully. He also praised Sukumar's courage and dedication.

The elephant had repeatedly entered villages near Palamaner, destroying crops and posing a threat to public safety. During an earlier attempt to drive it away, it attacked Sukumar, prompting the Forest Department to intensify efforts to capture it.

For over a month, forest teams monitored the elephant's movements using advanced drones and thermal sensor cameras. The animal was eventually captured near a national highway in the same forest section where the earlier attack had taken place.

The tranquilisation process was coordinated by veterinarians Dr. Naveen and Dr. Arun, while retired Forest Range Officer Raghunath supervised post-capture procedures. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the PCCF, following all wildlife management protocols.

Pawan Kalyan commended the Forest Department for balancing public safety with wildlife conservation and directed officials to examine the possibility of training the elephant as a kumki. The animal has been shifted to the Musalamadugu Kumki Camp for veterinary examination and behavioural observation before a decision is taken on its future training.