Resilient Tusker Amidst Serene Wilderness

In the heart of the Himavada Gopalswamy Betta, nestled within the lush expanse of a Tiger Reserve, I encountered a majestic tusker. This impressive elephant is a prominent resident of this natural haven, where a sacred temple stands as a testament to the harmony between spirituality and the wild. However, a disheartening issue has arisen, as a growing number of elephants are drawn to the temple grounds, indulging in the scraps of food left behind by temple visitors and management.

During a visit with our dedicated forest department team, we witnessed this troubling scenario. It was deeply unsettling to witness a wild elephant succumbing to the allure of discarded sustenance. Such a sight touched the very core of our conscience, making it abundantly clear that this situation was unacceptable.

Thankfully, after some time, the elephant moved away from the temple, seeking solace and sustenance in the natural abundance of the grassy valley. I seized the opportunity to capture a poignant moment, where this resilient tusker grazed peacefully, a symbol of the enduring spirit of the wild within the serene wilderness.