Captive jumbos at PTR get head massage to keep them happy

Daltonganj: In order to de-stress them and keep them safe amid a spike in the number of cases of Covid-19, the five captive elephants of Palamu Tiger Reserve ( PTR ) — Rakhi, Juhi, Sita, Kaal Bhairav and Murugan — are being given daily head massage with karanj (pongame oilseeds) and neem oil. Their caretakers are also cleaning their feet and soles with neem water to protect them from any kind of infection.

Talking over phone, Jharkhand’s chief wildlife warden H S Gupta said, “Yes, we are taking special care of our animals, including the five captive elephant , these days. The elephants are being given a good bath and massage regularly. Their feet, sole and nails are also being kept clean.”

Gupta revealed their diet has also been changed. “Their diet now contains more of banana, pineapple, papaya, guava and other fruits. While all the elephants are in good health, the extra effort is to make them feel good and keep them healthy during the pandemic.”

Notably, the World Elephant Day is on August 12, but Gupta said that their efforts are intended to keep their jumbos rejuvenated, irrespective of any particular symbolic day.