Owner, mahout reserved for elephant neglect at Kozhikode

Image for representational purposes only

The forest department has registered a case against the elephant’s owner and mahout, Cheriyaparambath Gopalan, for allegedly not providing the animal with adequate food and care.

The action followed an inspection by a team of forest officials and veterinary doctors at the owner’s residence at Ekarool near Unnikulam in Kozhikode district.

Blood samples collected from the elephant were sent to Pookode Veterinary College for analysis. The report cited severe malnutrition and inadequate care.

On inspection, officials found that the elephant was not being fed the prescribed diet recorded in the care register. The insufficient feeding caused the animal to become severely weakened, they said. Injuries and sores caused by the chains rubbing against his legs were also found.

There were allegations that the elephant was being used to haul wood despite its poor health. The elephant has been placed in the care of social forestry officials and veterinarians who are overseeing its feeding and treatment.

Meanwhile, the owner said the elephant was being treated at a doctor in Thrissur due to its weakness. He claimed that it was last taken in a temple procession during the previous Thrissur Pooram and had not been used for logging or other strenuous work in recent months.

Published – 25 Oct 2026 17:24 IST