Forest Dept. warns of action against people feeding wild elephants in MTR

Caution notices posted across Vazhaithottam, Mavanallah and Masinagudi

The Forest Department has warned people living in the buffer zone of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) of action if they feed wild elephants. The warning, which has specifically been issued to a private school in Vazhaithottam, also extends to local residents, who have been accused of feeding a wild elephant, known as “Rivaldo,” which became habituated to humans and has been captured and put inside a “kraal” (elephant shelter) for around two months. The elephant was captured by the department citing an injury to its trunk. Conservationists and animal rights activists, including BJP MP Maneka Gandhi, have been fighting for its release for the last few weeks.