Five-day elephant rejuvenation camp begins in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
A five-day Elephant Rejuvenation Camp-2026 began in the Dhamokhar buffer zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve on Thursday, focusing on the health, care and conservation of camp elephants.
The event was organised near Parasi Gate, where forest officials, villagers, tourists and journalists gathered to learn about elephant management and wildlife conservation.
The camp provides elephants with rest, health check-ups, special care and their preferred food. The initiative also gives mahouts and fodder cutters an opportunity to take a break from their regular duties.
Officials said the programme aims to promote sensitivity towards elephants and create greater awareness about wildlife conservation among local communities.
The young male elephant Krishna was the centre of attraction at the event. Born in Bandhavgarh in October 2025, Krishna was named by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during his visit to the reserve on December 31, 2025. The young elephant attracted visitors with its playful movements and activities.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve currently has 15 camp elephants. Of these, four are deployed for rescue operations, two for monitoring activities and nine have been included in the rejuvenation camp.
Assistant Director, Dhamokhar, Mitendra Chichkhede, explained the responsibilities and role of the camp elephants, while Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Yohan Katara briefed participants about the objectives and activities planned during the camp.
Katara said the camp was intended not only to provide rest and healthcare to the elephants but also to strengthen awareness about their role in wildlife management.
The event near Parasi Gate is also aimed at promoting tourism in the buffer zone and encouraging local residents to participate in conservation activities.
Umaria Collector Rakhi Sahay, who attended the programme as chief guest, described the elephant festival as a special experience. DFO Vivek Singh, Corporation Divisional Manager Amit Patoudi, Zila Panchayat CEO Abhay Singh Ohriya and other forest officials, local representatives and residents were present.
Meanwhile, Bandhavgarh team was engaged in an elephant rescue operation in the Gorsari forest area of the Maihar forest division during the camp.
Camp elephants, wildlife health officer Dr Tomar and the rescue team participated in the operation.
Officials said this demonstrated that the elephants are used not only for routine monitoring and management but also for rescue and wildlife management operations when required.
