Sixteen elephant squad members from Thrissur will participate in a five-day all-India training camp organised under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The camp will be held from July 25 to 29 at the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Gujarat.
The participating handlers are members of the Elephant Squad operating at the Chittanda Gaja Natural Park, an elephant care and conservation centre managed under the Elephant Welfare Trust of India. The initiative aims to equip elephant handlers with professional training in humane care, safety protocols, and conservation ethics.
Elephants form an integral part of Kerala’s vibrant temple festivals, including major and minor Poorams, church feasts, and other celebratory events. The Elephant Squad is a specialised team deployed to ensure the safety and well-being of elephants, as well as public safety, during these often crowded festivities.
Currently, the Elephant Welfare Trust of India has 50 trained squad members. Of these, 16 have been selected for the first phase of the training programme. According to Trust chairman K.P. Manojkumar and secretary P. Sashikumar, more handlers will be given the opportunity to attend advanced training sessions as part of the Ministry’s ongoing skill enhancement initiatives.
The camp is expected to provide scientific and professional insights into elephant management, enhancing both the competence of handlers and the welfare of the animals in their care.
Published – July 23, 2025 08:04 pm IST
