A tragic incident at a popular tourist attraction in southern India has resulted in the death of a 33-year-old woman, who was crushed by two elephants during a fight. The event occurred at the Dubare elephant camp in Karnataka's Kodagu district, prompting authorities to enforce stricter regulations on visitor interactions with wildlife.
Details of the Incident
The woman, from Chennai, was standing near the river with other tourists watching the elephants being bathed when the two trained elephants, Kanchan and Marthanda, began fighting. During the clash, Marthanda fell into the water, trapping the woman beneath it. Video footage shows her struggling in shallow water as the elephant trampled her while repeatedly trying to stand, with the other elephant continuing to attack. Loud screams filled the camp as the mahout's attempts to separate the animals proved futile. The woman's husband and child narrowly escaped harm.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
The incident sparked panic among tourists and outrage over overcrowding and close proximity to wild animals. Karnataka's forest minister, Eshwar B Khandre, called it a shocking tragedy and ordered a detailed inquiry. He announced immediate restrictions, including a minimum viewing distance of 100 feet at all captive elephant camps, and a ban on selfies, touching elephant trunks, feeding, and bathing them.
Background on Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp houses the largest number of elephants in a single camp in Karnataka and allows tourists close access. A forest department official noted that fights among elephants are common, but Dubare is particularly sensitive due to high elephant numbers and tourist proximity. The camp was previously closed in 2019 after an elephant escaped during musth, a period of heightened aggression in male elephants.
Broader Concerns
Animal welfare groups have long criticized the treatment and commercialization of elephants in India, where they are used in tourism, temple rituals, and entertainment despite legal protections. Captive elephants often endure stressful conditions, including loud crowds and long hours. According to Wildlife SOS, they are subjected to beatings and starvation for control. In Defence of Animals USA reports that India has 60% of Asia's elephant population, with 3,500 in captivity. Last month, a captive elephant killed a person in Kerala during a temple event.
The Karnataka forest department has been contacted for comment.
