Mysuru: “If our habitat is lost, we will be forced to enter your towns; If our living spaces are protected, nature’s balance will remain intact; We are not your enemies, but guardians of ecological harmony.”

These messages were displayed on the Dasara elephants as the Forest Department used the occasion to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the need to protect natural habitats.

The Mysuru Wildlife Division of the Forest Department organised the awareness campaign as part of the 72nd National Wildlife Week, observed from Oct. 2 to 8, with the theme ‘Habitat Connectivity for Wildlife Development’.

Led by Abhimanyu, the 13-member elephant team took to the Jumboo Savari rehearsal route with conservation messages displayed on the decorative cloth coverings (jhul) draped over the animals. Mahouts seated atop the elephants also held placards..

The procession began near the Kodi Someshwara Temple inside the Mysore Palace and moved around the Palace before exiting through the Jayarama Gate. It then proceeded through Chamaraja Wadiyar Circle and Albert Victor Road to K.R. Circle.

The elephants took a U-turn at Sayyaji Rao Road near Government Ayurveda College Circle and returned to the Palace along the same route.

The sight of the 13 elephants moving in formation drew large crowds along the streets. People called out the names of their favourite elephants, while children and women took photographs and videos on their mobile phones. The colourful coverings carrying messages on wildlife conservation added to the spectacle.

Apart from Abhimanyu, the troupe comprised Dhananjaya, Mahendra, Ekalavya, Prashanth, Gopi, Srirama, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, Kaveri, Roopa, Chaitra and Srikanta.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife Division) Dr. I.B. Pabhugowda said Wildlife Week was observed every year in the first week of October to create awareness about the need to protect wildlife habitats.

“Humans are not the only ones who have the right to live. Animals have that right too. We used today’s rehearsal to convey this message to the public through the Dasara elephants, which are themselves wildlife,” he said.

He added that wild animals should be allowed to live freely in forests rather than being displaced from their natural habitats. Forest officials and staff, including veterinary officer Dr. Adarsh, took part in the campaign.