Fwd: Kerala elephants feeling the heat

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http://www.gulfnews.com/world/India/10116032.html

 

Published: 05/04/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)

Kerala elephants feel the heat of scorching summer

 

By Akhel Mathew, Correspondent

 

 

Thiruvananthapuram: Keralites are struggling through a particularly steamy

summer this year, made more severe by the shortage of water in pockets

across the state.

 

But even as the common man wipes the dripping sweat off his forehead and

face, the elephants of the state could be telling him to spare a thought for

them too. Elephants are a common sight in Kerala, both the domesticated and

in the wild, and the majestic animals seem to be feeling the heat more than

any other animal around.

 

Elephants have traditionally been used for helping to lift logs on to trucks

and for temple festivities but of late they have been pressed into myriad

other jobs as well, including wedding functions and even to add glamour to

the inauguration of shops and business establishments.

 

The pachyderms, which are heavily dependent on water for their survival and

are not comfortable standing under the sun for long owing to their deep

black skin, are however, often seen to be misused for the greed of their

owners. Many suspect this has led to a recent increase in a number of

elephants running amok or throwing various tantrums.

 

One of them, Avittathur Murali, recently collapsed in Kumbalam near Kochi,

which animal lovers say was because the animal was not given proper

healthcare and also because it was made to walk for long on tarred roads,

leading to dehydration.

 

A few other elephants have reacted in other manners, attacking their

mahouts, turning a truck over or causing assorted other destruction.

 

In an encouraging development, forest minister Binoy Viswam has said the

government would be forced to take action if elephant owners and mahouts do

not follow the conditions laid down for utilising animals for processions

and other functions.

 

 

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