Elephant kills trainer at safari facility, illegal operations probed
8:02 AM EDT, June 25, 2024
A one-ton elephant killed its trainer. Moments before the tragedy, the man struck the animal with a bamboo stick, trying to force it to obey. Cameras recorded everything.
The drama unfolded on Thursday around 8:30 PM Eastern Time in the Kallar area of the Kerala region in southwestern India at a private safari facility. A terrifying video showed how a one-ton elephant stepped on the mahout (elephant caretaker and driver) who was lying on the ground. Then it threw the man's body to the ground. The 62-year-old trainer, M. Balakrishnan, died. The attack occurred after the trainer tried to force the elephant to obey a command.
As reported by "Daily Mail," after the death of the 62-year-old man, an investigation was initiated. The Forestry Department ordered the urgent closure of the safari. Authorities emphasized that closing the park was necessary to ensure the safety of visitors, mahouts, and elephants, as well as to investigate any potential violations of safari operation regulations.
According to local reports, the owner of the elephant was A. H. Jalaludin, a resident of Erumeli in the Kottayam district. The elephant was at the safari on a farm in Kerala in the village of Devikulam Taluk in Anaviratty.
The elephants at the facility where the tragedy occurred were not registered with the Indian Animal Welfare Board, a mandatory requirement for animals used for entertainment purposes. According to the "Free Press Journal" portal, the elephant involved in the incident had previously exhibited aggressive behavior towards the mahout.
Authorities announce changes
The district administration announced that they will address the problem and not allow illegal safari facility operation. The Forestry Department announced regular inspections and strict actions against centers operating without a permit or those found to be violating existing laws.
Authorities are appealing to the public to report any illegal facilities. This aims to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of mahouts, visitors, and the animals.
