Gajraj returns after 15-day escapade with 6 females

IN love and war, all is faireven for elephants.

- NAMITA BAJPAI

Gajraj, a trained elephant from Dudhwa National Park, freed himself from his iron shackles and ventured deep into the thick woods on a romantic escapade, accompanied by six of his female companions. This led to a massive fortnight-long hunt involving forest teams and drones.

The elephants were eventually rescued by forest officials and returned to their camp on Thursday.

Dudhwa is home to approximately 25 camp elephants used for patrolling, tourism, and conflict management. The incident occurred on the eve of Independence Day.

The elephants had been stationed in the Rhino Rehabilitation Area within the Sonaripur range, a lush 27 sq km expanse with Sal and Damar trees, nine permanent lakes, and vast grasslands stretching for miles in all directions, reminiscent of Kaziranga National Park in Assam.