Maharashtra's elephant to be tamed at Mathigudu camp

 Bheema, a rogue elephant which has been creating havoc at Savanthawadi forest region in the neighbouring Maharashtra state, will be tamed at Mathigudu elephant camp at Nagarahole National Park in the taluk.

The elephant was captured with the help of Dasara elephants Arjuna and Abhimanyu in February. The rogue elephant is said to have been destroying the forest and the
villages on the fringes of the forest at Amberi Depot at Sindhudurga district of Maharashtra, for  the past six years.

The Maharashtra government had submitted a proposal to the Government of Karnataka  on August 8, seeking its help in taming Bheema, that was considered subsequently. The elephant was brought by road after a 10-hour long journey recently.

A 10-member team of experts led by veterinarian Dr Uma Shankar would be on duty for the next three months. The expenses would be borne by the Maharashtra government.

Expenses
The total expenditure including food and others for three months for taming the jumbo is estimated to be Rs 1.50 lakh. The Maharashtra government has also lauded the efforts of Arjuna and Abhimanyu and has expressed its wish of seeking the service of the same elephants for religious purposes.