Elephants get 7-day spa, massage makeup in MP:Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve hosts wellness camp; honey-coated rotis served to elephants after medical checkups

At Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria, known for its tiger population, the elephants are currently the center of attention as the forest staff indulge them in a special seven-day rejuvenation camp. The care provided is likened to that given to wedding guests, with elephants receiving morning medical checkups, oil massages, and even makeup, continuing until the afternoon. Their meals include honey-coated bread with apples, bananas, pineapples, sugarcane, and various fruits, after which they are allowed to rest. Annual camp for elephant health and conservation awareness This camp, held every year from the second fortnight of August to the last week of September, started in 2011 to provide rest, medical attention, and nutrition to the elephants. This year, the camp began in the Tala range of Bandhavgarh on September 24 and will continue until September 30. Fifteen elephants from the reserve are participating, including nine males, six females, and three calves. The oldest elephant, Gautam, is 79 years old and was brought from Kanha Tiger Reserve in 1978. Bandhavgarh’s Field Director, Anupam Sahay, stated that the camp is organised not only for the elephants’ health but also to raise awareness about wildlife conservation among local residents. During this time, detailed records of the elephants’ health and behavior are maintained, enabling the management to monitor their well-being and identify any medical issues early. Morning baths, massages, and makeup The camp begins each day with a morning bath for the elephants, followed by oil massages using neem and castor oil. Sandalwood paste is applied to the body, and makeup is done with vermilion and gulal, creating a festive atmosphere. Officials stress that these seven days are entirely for the elephants’ rest and rejuvenation—they are not made to work and can focus solely on eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves. The rejuvenation camp also allows interaction between local residents and the elephants. Children, elders, and other visitors are invited to feed fruits to the elephants, fostering harmony between wildlife and humans in the tiger reserve area. Pictures of the elephants Diet, care, and health monitoring The diet of the elephants is tailored to their age and condition. Female elephants that have given birth receive special nutrition and vitamins, while all elephants generally receive 10 rotis weighing one kilogram each, along with jaggery. Castor oil is applied to their heads to keep them cool, and neem oil is applied to their feet to relieve injuries or soreness. After lunch, elephants are released into the forest to roam freely. Blood samples and other health checks are conducted to monitor their condition. Elephants’ role in reserve operations Elephants play a crucial role in the tiger reserve’s operations. They are used for jungle tracking, rescue operations, and patrolling, especially during tiger or leopard rescues, which would be difficult without their assistance. Elephants from other sanctuaries Several elephants in the camp were brought from other sanctuaries. Gautam came from Kanha Tiger Reserve in 1978, Anarkali from the Sonepur Fair in Bihar in 1978-79, Shyam from Sidhi forests in 2018, Rama from Anuppur in 2011, and Laxman from Sidhi forests in 2017. The remaining elephants were born in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve itself. This year, 1,600 raw coconuts have also been procured to supplement their diet. Through this annual camp, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve ensures that its elephants are well-cared for, healthy, and mentally rejuvenated while simultaneously promoting awareness about wildlife conservation in the local community. ​