CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Forest Department has released new pictures of Arikomban amid reports of concern over the tusker's health. The released footage is that of the elephant eating. The elephant is present in the Upper Kothayar region. The forest department said in a tweet that the elephant is healthy and rumours should not be believed. The forest department has also tweeted a picture of another group of elephants near Arikomban. The forest department explained that the elephant has fully adapted to the new habitat.
Earlier, Deputy Director of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary informed that Arikomban is healthy. She clarified that the rumours of elephant being weak is false and the picture being circulated was taken on June 10.
Update on #Arikomban (25.6.2023)
— Tamil Nadu Forest Department (@tnforestdept) June 25, 2023
The press release from DD Kalakad states that Arikomban has got acclimatized &is seen foraging well in the forest. Frontline staff from ground zero in Upper Kodayar have reported the elephant to be healthy &trying to integrate with the other herds pic.twitter.com/GlN15SfvIT
A few days ago, the forest department had released the footage of Arikomban feeding with one leg raised. The reason for this is likely due to an injury sustained while loading him in the lorry. Until last day, the forest department informed that the elephant is eating and is healthy.
Here is an update on wild tusker 'Arikomban'. As per the information provided by the Field Director, the elephant is healthy and doing extremely well. He has acclamatised well and is comfortable in his habitat. Interestingly there are other herds nearby. Do not believe fake news.… pic.twitter.com/WmFq3my8Rh
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) June 25, 2023
At the same time, the Walking Eye Foundation for Animal Advocacy approached the Supreme Court demanding that Arikomban should not be tranquilized again as his health is bad. The organization also said that treatment should be ensured for the elephant. The petition also demanded that an expert committee be formed to protect the habitat of elephants