Wildlife NGO alleges cruelty to elephants in BBP; officials refute charges

Elsa Foundation, a wildlife conservation and welfare charity organisation, has submitted a representation to senior officials of the Karnataka government, Zoo and Forest Departments, seeking to end the alleged cruelty faced by elephants at the elephant safari operated by Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP).

The authorities, meanwhile, have denied allegations of cruelty.

Prakash, founder of Elsa Foundation, in a letter to the Chief Wildlife Warden and Vice-Chairman, Zoo Authority of Karnataka, Member Secretary Zoo Authority of Karnataka, and BBP Executive Director alleged that during field observations conducted over multiple days and at different times of day, representatives of the organisation repeatedly observed elephants being forcibly displayed to visitors while standing in extreme heat and direct summer sunlight throughout the day.

“The organisation reported that the exhibition area had no shade or natural tree cover and that the animals were unable to move away from the heat because they were chained or otherwise controlled by mahouts. The observations indicate that the practice is not an isolated occurrence but a routine feature of the safari operation. The organisation also documented multiple elephant calves and elderly elephants being subjected to the same conditions,” it said.

“The repeated exposure of elephants to extreme summer temperatures without shade is totally unacceptable, highly cruel, and must be addressed immediately,” said Mr. Prakash.

It has requested the concerned authorities for immediate cessation of the forced exhibition of elephants under extreme heat conditions, removal of practices that prevent elephants from moving freely, construction of permanent shelters and other infrastructure necessary to protect elephants from harsh weather conditions, comprehensive review of elephant management and welfare practices at the safari, and special safeguards for calves, elderly elephants and other vulnerable animals.

‘Factually incorrect’

In response, Surya Sen A.V., Executive Director, BBP, said that the observations made by the organisation are factually incorrect, misleading and appear to have been drawn from isolated visual impressions without an understanding of the established management practices followed at the park.

“The allegation that the elephants are subjected to cruelty or forced exhibition throughout the day is completely unfounded and does not reflect the actual management practices being followed at BBP. The welfare of the animals remains the highest priority of the park, and all management protocols are implemented under veterinary supervision and in accordance with established welfare and safety standards,” Mr. Sen stated in his letter.