Vikram, Harsha get ready to take part in Mysore Dasara

The Forest Department is taking care of the pachyderm, which have been living in the Government timberyard at Anekadu for the past three years.

A female elephant named Vijaya in Dubare too was supposed to take part in the Dasara procession. Range Forest Officer M S Chinnappa told Deccan Herald that since Vijaya gave birth to a male calf, two months ago, it would not be advisable to take her for the procession.

Another elephant Prashanth of Dubare camp, who had been participating in the Mysore Dasara festival, too will be unable to participate in the Dasara festival this year because he has been sent to  Dr Shivarama Karanth Biological Park at Pilikula in Mangalore about 18 months ago. Hence, only two elephants, Vikram and Harsha will be sent to Mysore from the Dubare elephant camp this year.

A herd of trained elephants led by tusker Balarama has already reached Mysore Palace. Vikram and Harsha may reach Mysore along with other elephants in the second batch during third week of September. Chinnappa said that both elephants are treated with rich and nutritious food at the camp.Ragi balls, horse gram, jaggery and leaves are given twice a day to Vikram and Harsha. Both are allowed to roam in the forest twice a day. More care is being taken to prevent fights between wild elephants, he said adding that mahouts Koora, Chikka, helpers Linga and Chandra are looking after the elephants at present.