Gains 440-kg, tops Dasara elephant weight chart

Mysuru, Oct. 5 (MTY&BCT)- Among the 14 elephants that arrived to participate in this year’s Dasara festivities, Bhima recorded the highest weight gain — an impressive 440 kilograms, leaving behind Howdah elephant Abhimanyu, who gained 275-kg.

This made Bhima the heaviest elephant in the group. Sugreeva stood second, followed by Srikanta in third place, both also showing remarkable improvements.

The first batch of nine elephants reached Mysuru on Aug. 4 and were placed on a special diet from Aug. 12. The second batch of five elephants arrived on Aug. 25 and began enhanced nutrition from Aug. 26. While the first team received 45 days of care, the second team was fed and monitored for 35 days.

Ahead of their return to their respective camps, the elephants underwent a traditional weight check yesterday. Bhima, the youngest male elephant, posted the most striking result, gaining 440-kg to weigh 5,905-kg — up from 5,465-kg.

Sugreeva followed closely with a 350-kg gain, reaching 5,895-kg (up from 5,545-kg). Pattada Aane Srikanta stood third with a 320-kg increase, weighing 5,860-kg (from 5,540-kg).

Other elephants too registered significant gains. Nishane elephant Ekalavya added 390-kg to weigh 5,695-kg (from 5,305-kg); Mahendra gained 245-kg, now at 5,365 kg (from 5,120-kg); Dhananjaya increased by 340-kg to 5,650 kg (from 5,310-kg); Howdah elephant and team leader Abhimanyu gained 275-kg, weighing 5,635-kg (from 5,360-kg); Gopi gained 255-kg, now at 5,245-kg (from 4,990-kg); Kanjan added 345 kg, weighing 5,225-kg (from 4,880 kg); while Prashantha showed a modest rise of 50-kg, weighing 5,160-kg (from 5,110-kg).

Among the female elephants, Balle Lakshmi gained 230-kg, reaching 3,960-kg (from 3,730-kg); Roopa added 40-kg, now weighing 3,360-kg (from 3,320-kg); Kaveri increased by 225-kg, weighing 3,235-kg (from 3,010-kg); and the youngest female, Hemavathi, gained 235-kg, reaching 2,675-kg (from 2,440-kg).

Temporary weight loss

Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda clarified that Abhimanyu and Prashantha experienced a temporary decline in weight owing to a bout of diarrhoea and fever that lasted ten days.

He explained that such minor health issues are anticipated when elephants transition from forest camps to the city and adjust to a nutrient-rich diet. Thanks to timely veterinary care, their health improved steadily. Prashantha struggled to eat properly during his illness, while Captain Abhimanyu suffered diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal discomfort for 10 days. Both were treated by expert veterinarians and recovered well.

Dr. Prabhugowda further noted that Abhimanyu, despite this temporary setback, carried the Golden Howdah with remarkable composure this year, reaching the Bannimantap Parade Grounds more swiftly and smoothly compared to last year.