(IN): During monsoons, Kerala elephants get spoilt silly

[Guest guest]

Link:

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/during-monsoons-kerala-elephants-get-spoilt-silly/45\

122-3.html

During monsoons, Kerala elephants get spoilt silly

 

*Naveen Nair* <http://www.ibnlive.com/news/author/Naveen+Nair/> /

*CNN-IBN*<http://www.ibnlive.com/news/agency/CNN-IBN.html>

 

*

*

 

*Guruvayur (Kerala):* As the rain Gods come smiling, the elephants of Kerala

are having the best time of their lives. It is also time for their annual

ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy.

 

Guruvayur Padmanabhan, the main elephant at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna

temple, Padmanabhan has had a busy year taking part in numerous temple

processions.

 

But now it is time for him to relax, unwind and be pampered. And joining him

will be 50 fellow inmates of Aanakotta, or elephant fort, in the temple

town.

 

Says vetinerary doctor, Dr TCR Nambiar, " During the festival season in

summer, the elephants become weak. So in order to restore its health we are

doing this 30 days restoring treatment. Rainy season is the best time for

this rejuvenation treatment. Cold climate is the best time for the

treatment. "

 

So whats this rejuvenation therapy all about?

 

In the morning, the elephants are given leaves of medicinal plants. Next

comes a long, luxurious bath. And at noon, they are given a feast of

meticulously prepared food, mixed with Ayurvedic medicines.

 

The mahouts have an important task in preparing the jumbos for the rigours

of the coming year.

 

" You cannot love the animal too much and spoil him. At the same time if you

have a right to make him listen to what you say, you need to take care of

him also. During this one month we go all the way out to make him feel

comfortable and make him regain his health, " says Padmanabhan's mahout,

Radhakrishnan.

 

The therapy is doubly important, as incidents of overworked elephants

turning on their mahouts have increased in the past few years.

 

So after 11 months of hard work, these elephants are finally taking some

time out.

 

 

 

 

 

--

Fight captive Jumbo abuse, end Elephant Polo

http://www.stopelephantpolo.com