Orphaned Elephant's Home at Risk: Zoo Transfer Sparks Outcry

Three-year-old Bhawani, an orphaned elephant calf, faces a contentious transfer from Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) to Gorakhpur Zoo. Rescued as a 20-day-old infant after losing her family, Bhawani found a unique home within DTR. She was nurtured by mahout Irshad Ali, who became a surrogate parent, and bonded with another orphaned calf, Durga, and adult female elephants. Ali expressed deep distress, likening the potential separation to losing his own daughter.

The proposed relocation has alarmed wildlife advocates and forest personnel, who fear it will adversely impact Bhawani's physical and emotional health. DTR field director H Rajamohan cited a shortage of trained mahouts as the reason for the transfer, despite the reserve recently requesting additional elephants. This explanation has been questioned, particularly as DTR recently sought seven more camp elephants from Karnataka.

Concerns have also been raised by DTR deputy director Jagdish R, who cited protection from tigers and adult male elephants as reasons for the move. However, questions remain about why other calves facing similar risks are not being transferred. Legal challenges are mounting, with advocate Syed Mohammad Haider Rizvi petitioning authorities to halt the relocation. Rizvi argues that Bhawani, as wild-born government property, does not fall under rules governing privately owned elephants and that her best interests should be prioritized.

Meanwhile, Bhawani has already been moved to an isolated enclosure, signaling the impending separation from her familiar surroundings and surrogate family. The unfolding situation pits administrative decisions against the deep emotional bonds formed within the reserve, leaving many to question if this orphaned elephant will be made to lose her hard-won family again.