Elephants are known to develop strong, intimate bonds between friends and family members. There have been reports of elephants forming life-long friendships with each other. Though male elephants have a reputation as loners, wildlife researchers have observed that male elephants have best friends with whom they associate for years. Even younger males seek out older males and learn social behaviours from them. An instance to demonstrate the friendly behaviour of male elephants can be found inside the Mysore Palace premises where the Dasara elephants are housed. The bonding between a Dasara newcomer Bheema and veteran Balarama is a special attraction for the Mahouts, Kavadis, Forest Officials and the general public.