Ramu: Largest Tusker Ramu Electrocuted in Chandaka Sanctuary | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Ramu, the largest tusker in Chandaka wildlife sanctuary, died of electrocution on Monday near a village close to the reserve’s boundary.
Forest officials said the elephant may have come in contact with a live wire trap set up by the villagers. Stringent action is likely to be taken against the culprits as well as forest personnel, who could not spot the trap.
Despite its giant size, the 40-year-old Ramu was much loved. It had strayed into human habitation several times but had never hurt anyone or damaged property even when provoked. The forest department fondly called it ‘gentleman giant’. For nine months a year, the Chandaka sanctuary used to be its home while the rest of the time he would roam around.
“The apartments all around had encroached upon Ramu’s space. But it never attacked humans. It was an adult elephant but full of energy,” said Susanta Nanda, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife).
He said electricity is a silent killer. “It doesn’t differentiate between friends and foes. We lost a friend and Chandaka lost a gentleman. The perpetrators of such crime will not be spared. It is also deeply shocking that our personnel couldn’t detect it,” Nanda added.
Forest officials said elephant usually start degenerating after attaining 50 years of age. They have a maximum longevity of 60 years but after 50 they become weak. Ramu still had 10 years to go and was very healthy and agile.
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