A tragic incident occurred at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka’s Madikeri district when a woman tourist from Tamil Nadu lost her life after being caught between two captive elephants fighting. The victim, identified as 33-year-old Jinmu, was fatally injured, while her husband, Joyal, sustained severe injuries and was taken to the Kushalnagar Government Hospital for treatment. The couple had visited the camp and were near the elephants when the animals began fighting.
The tourists, including the couple, were engaged in activities with the elephants when two captive elephants, Marthanda and Kanjan, started a sudden altercation. Despite efforts by the mahouts to intervene, the elephants continued to fight. Tragically, during the chaos, Marthanda fell on Jinmu, causing her death on the spot and injuring her husband. Prompt rescue efforts by fellow tourists and authorities led to the couple being rushed to the hospital for medical care.
Reports suggest that one of the elephants involved, Kanjan, had previously caused disturbances during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations by running out of the Mysuru Palace premises after a conflict with another elephant. The elephant had also been involved in attacks on other elephants at the camp in the past. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident to determine further details.
The Dubare Elephant Camp, known for training elephants for the Mysuru Dasara, offers tourists a unique opportunity to interact closely with these majestic animals. Situated in a picturesque location, the camp not only serves as an eco-tourism destination but also provides insights into elephant behavior. Visitors can observe and engage with elephants in a natural setting, experiencing their wild yet serene nature, distinct from those in enclosed spaces like zoos.
