Tragedy at Dubare Elephant Camp
A 33-year-old woman was crushed to death by two fighting elephants at the Dubare elephant camp in Karnataka, southern India, while observing them being bathed. The incident, captured on video, caused panic among tourists and sparked outrage over the close proximity allowed between visitors and the animals.
Official Response and New Regulations
Karnataka's forest minister, Eshwar B Khandre, described the event as 'shocking' and ordered a detailed inquiry into the circumstances. New regulations have been immediately implemented, banning selfies, touching, feeding, or bathing elephants, and requiring tourists to observe elephant bathing from a minimum distance of 100 feet.
Animal Welfare Concerns
The incident has reignited long-standing concerns from animal welfare groups regarding the commercialisation and stressful conditions faced by captive elephants in India. Critics argue that such camps prioritise tourism over animal welfare, leading to dangerous situations for both elephants and visitors.
