Belligerent Elephant in Zoo Showing Normal Behaviour

Hyderabad: Nearly two weeks after the fatal incident in the city zoo, where a 23-year-old keeper was killed in an attack by a rogue male elephant, things are gradually getting back to normal.

Though officials had stated that the elephant, Vijay, caught in the wild over two decades ago, would be sent to a training camp in Karnataka, no decision has been taken in relocating the tusker.

Zoo curator Sunil S. Hiremath told Deccan Chronicle, “We have written to the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), Karnataka, for the elephant to be moved to the training camp. Discussions are underway.”

Officials said that although the elephant Vijay was displaying normal behaviour, it was still under observation.

“As of now it is doing better and has calmed down. But we are taking care to avoid any untoward incident. Only mahouts and those known to Vijay are allowed near its enclosure,” said zoo’s deputy director (veterinary), Dr M.A. Hakeem.