Lonely 75-year-old Dasara jumbo gets a new home at Mathigodu

Mysore/Mysuru: Gajendra, the 75-year-old Dasara elephant who had been living in isolation at the Boodipadaga Elephant Camp in Chamarajanagar district, has been relocated to the Mathigodu Elephant Camp in the Nagarahole Range of Kodagu following orders from Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre.

The move comes after public appeals and a social media campaign titled ‘Save Gajendra,’ which urged the Minister to shift the ageing elephant. Once a proud participant in the world-famous Mysuru Dasara festivities, Gajendra had reportedly grown frail and lonely in recent years.

Responding to the concerns, Khandre issued written instructions on Mar. 26 directing officials to move the elephant to a safer and more social environment.

On Tuesday afternoon, rituals were performed at Boodipadaga before Gajendra was transported in a specialised elephant rescue vehicle to Mathigodu. Supporters expressed gratitude on social media, praising the Minister for acting swiftly and compassionately in response to public sentiment.

Captured in 1987

Gajendra’s legacy dates back several decades. Captured in 1987 in the Kattepura forest of Kodagu, he was initially housed at the K. Gudi elephant camp.

Known for his gentle temperament, he later became a familiar presence at the Mysuru Dasara and was honoured as the Pattada Aane (Royal Elephant).

However, his history also includes a tragic episode. On June 16, 2015, during a bout of musth, Gajendra fatally gored fellow elephant Srirama and trampled his Mahout Ganapathi (50), who had tried to separate them.

Despite the incident, Gajendra was later reintegrated and took part in several operations, gradually regaining his reputation.

In recent years, prolonged isolation at Boodipadaga had weakened the ageing elephant. As elephants are social animals, conservationists feared his loneliness could further affect his health and survival.

The relocation campaign ultimately succeeded, securing Gajendra a new home at the Mathigodu Elephant Camp.