THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kottoor's Soman aka Somanathan is all set to become the world's oldest captive elephant. Even though he is over 80 years old, he is still energetic like a youngster. This grandpa is happy with the elephants at the Kottoor elephant rehabilitation centre. The forest department has applied for Soman to add his name to the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest captive elephant.

Soman has tamed several wild elephants, including the wild Kolakolli in the Vithura and Peppara ranges. Forest Department got Soman at the age of 33. He then completed his Kumki training. He used to work at the Konni elephant reserve and did work like lifting wood. Soman retired 15 years ago at age 65. Now there is a pension book. The only discomfort is a slight loss of vision in the right eye.

Soman's diet

Soman, who is enjoying retirement life, is given food as prescribed by doctors. Hay will be provided at 7.30 am. Then at 8.30 am he will be taken to the Neyyar Dam Reservoir to bathe with the other elephants. An hour later, a nutritious meal is given. Jaggery and salt are mixed in the rice which is prepared by adding three kilos each of rice and ragi, and one kilo each of chickpeas and wheat.

250 kg of hay will be provided per day. This will include 180 kg of fodder grass, 30 kg of jackfruit leaves and 20 kg of other grass. Two days a week, Soman is taken to the forest with other elephants.