Injured makhna takes refuge in Bhavani river along Tamil Nadu-Kerala border

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is monitoring an injured makhna (tuskless male elephant) that has been standing in river Bhavani along Tamil Nadu-Kerala border at Koodapatti, around 60 km away from Coimbatore city, for the past few days.

Forest Department officials said the elephant was standing in the river for relief from the pain caused by certain injuries. The buoyancy in the water also helps the large mammal to take pressure off the injured limbs.

Officials said the makhna is believed to have come to the river from the Kerala side after suffering the injuries. It stood in the middle of Bhavani, which separates Tamil Nadu and Kerala at Koodapatti. The Kerala Forest Department team alerted the Coimbatore Forest Division when it moved to the banks on the Tamil Nadu side.

N. Jayaraj, District Forest Officer, Coimbatore Division, said the makhna moved to the Tamil Nadu side on September 4. The elephant was given sugarcane and fruits stuffed with medicines based on the advice of Forest Veterinary Officer S. Vennila.

Bananas and banana stems stored by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department staff to be given to the injured makhna when it moves to the banks.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

According to M. Saravanan, Forest Range Officer, Periyanaickenpalayam range of Coimbatore Division, the elephant has piercing wounds, including one above the right eye. Its right ear is partially torn. “These injuries indicate that the makhna could have had a fight with a tusker,” he said. 

A team has been posted at Koodapatti for continuous monitoring of the elephant.