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CHENNAI, INDIA, December 14, 2003: Calling the month-long rejuvenation camps for elephants at the Mudumalai Sanctuary and Top Slip in Coimbatore district a success, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today said the camps will now be held every year. Although there was criticism when the camps first started, the benefits of holding the camps were praised by visitors and conservationists, she said in a statement. “I have, therefore, instructed that the camp be made an annual feature. The duration of the camp will, hereafter, be 45 days each year.” The scheme was initiated for restoring the physical and mental health of the elephants held in captivity. “The camps helped in bringing about a harmonious bonding between animal and animal; among human beings, animals and the environment; apart from making possible valuable interaction among veterinary doctors, conservationists and non-governmental organizations.” They also helped Forest department officials, veterinarians and elephant specialists study the animals in a natural environment. “The detailed medical case histories that they have been able to document provide valuable information on elephant conservation and care,” she said. Of the 100 elephants in the recent camp, 45 belonged to the Forest department, 37 to temples, and 18 to ashrams and individuals. They were provided intensive medical care, a nourishing diet, exercise and “refreshing daily splashes in a river.” Their mahouts (keepers) were provided accommodation and training in taking care of the animals. Jayalalithaa attributed the success of the scheme to the participation of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department, the district administration and elephant specialists, and those who sent the animals to the camps. There are 28,274 elephants in India, according to a 2001 census, of which 2,971 were in Tamil Nadu.

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