A jumbo herd comprising at least 16 elephants was reported to be wandering near the Nandankanan Zoological Park. The wild elephants are close to the boundary of the zoo, in a forest near Daruthenga village, reports said.
On being informed, a team of officials of Nandankanan Zoo and the Chandaka forest division rushed to the spot and launched efforts to drive away the wild herd. Efforts are on to keep a track on the movements of the elephants and prevent them from entering into the Zoo.
The pachyderms are believed to have come from Athagarh forest division. After entering Chandaka, they are now wandering around the Zoological Park, reports said.
When contacted, Sanjit Kumar, deputy director, Nandankanan Zoological Park, said, “As per the available information, a herd comprising 15-16 wild jumbos from Athagarh division has strayed into Chandaka and is now close to the boundary of Nandankanan Zoological Park. Our staff along with Chandaka forest division staff are in the spot since morning. They are keeping a track on the movement of the jumbos.”
“The elephant driving and guiding launch will begin after sunset so that the pachyderms go back to a better habitat. Efforts are also on to prevent them from entering into the zoological park.”
Notably, two wild elephants had broken the fences and managed to enter the zoological park. Visitors were restricted from visiting the park to prevent any risk or damage.