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The state of Kerala in India is grappling with a tragic surge in deaths caused by captive elephants, particularly during religious festivals. The year 2025 has already seen six fatalities in just the first two months, a stark increase compared to the nine deaths reported in 2024. These incidents highlight a critical failure in safety measures and regulations surrounding the use of captive elephants in public celebrations. The most recent incident, occurring on February 13th in Koyilandy, resulted in three deaths and five critical injuries when two elephants went on a rampage during a temple festival. This follows a pattern of similar events throughout the state, including the death of a person by Pakkath Sreekuttan in Tirur, a handicapped person killed by Chittilappilly Ganeshan in Chittattukara, and a mahout killed by Vallamkulam Narayanan Kutty in Koottanad. These incidents underscore a systemic problem rooted in the blatant disregard for existing regulations.
Experts, such as V.K. Venkitachalam, secretary of the Heritage Animal Task Force, directly attribute these tragedies to the widespread violation of the Kerala Captive Elephant (Management and Maintenance) Rules. These rules clearly stipulate that elephants must not be paraded for more than six hours consecutively, should not be paraded on consecutive days after a night's parade, and should not be transported or paraded between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Furthermore, a maximum of three elephants are permitted on temple premises at any given time. Critically, elephants are required to possess valid fitness certificates signed by the Chief Veterinary Officer before being paraded, a requirement often ignored. Mr. Venkitachalam emphasizes that many elephants used in these festivals are unwell or handicapped, animals explicitly prohibited from participation under the existing rules. The disregard for these regulations, coupled with the escalating number of elephant-related deaths, paints a picture of negligence and a systemic lack of enforcement.
The lack of significant public outcry is a troubling aspect of this ongoing crisis. Many incidents occur during religious festivals, creating a climate where the sanctity of tradition seemingly overshadows human safety. The Heritage Animal Task Force points to this as evidence of a 'festival mafia' thriving on the increasing demand for elephants in these celebrations, often at the cost of human life. The existence of fan clubs for certain elephants, like Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran, which has allegedly killed 13 people, further complicates the situation, highlighting the complex interplay of tradition, religious fervor, and commercial interests. This underscores the difficulty in balancing cultural practices with the urgent need for effective animal welfare regulations and enforcement. The lack of public pressure adds to the challenge of implementing and maintaining stringent safety measures.
In response to the Koyilandy tragedy, Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has initiated an urgent investigation headed by the Chief Wildlife Warden to determine whether existing regulations were violated. The Minister emphasized that stringent actions will be taken if any lapses are found. Preliminary reports suggest the elephants in Koyilandy panicked due to the loud noise of firecrackers. This points to another contributing factor: the lack of consideration for the welfare and safety of the elephants themselves. The use of loud noises and chaotic environments places undue stress on these animals, potentially exacerbating the risk of dangerous incidents. Moving forward, a multi-pronged approach is needed, encompassing stricter enforcement of existing rules, increased public awareness campaigns to change attitudes towards elephant safety, and a critical review of the existing regulations to ensure they adequately address the complex issues at play. The continued prioritization of tradition over human life must be challenged, and a decisive shift towards a safer and more ethical approach to the use of captive elephants in Kerala is urgently required.
This ongoing crisis in Kerala necessitates a comprehensive review of the current system. It requires not just stricter enforcement of existing laws but also a cultural shift in public perception. Educational campaigns should focus on the dangers of violating safety protocols and the importance of prioritizing human life over tradition. It's imperative to work with festival organizers, religious leaders, and communities to find a sustainable solution that respects both tradition and the safety and well-being of both humans and elephants. This may involve exploring alternative celebratory practices that minimize the risk of harm while still upholding cultural heritage. The loss of life in these incidents is unacceptable, and a concerted effort by the government, religious leaders, and the public is needed to prevent future tragedies. The current system has clearly failed, and fundamental changes are urgently needed to protect the lives of both people and animals.
Source: Captive elephant attacks claim six lives in 2025, nine in 2024 in Kerala