Odisha forest dept to exhume skeleton of elephant Ramu from Chandaka for scientific preservation

The Odisha Forest Department will on Saturday recover the skeletal remains of Ramu, the iconic tusker of the Chandaka–Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, from the Bharatpur forest area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, marking a rare scientific preservation effort aimed at keeping the legacy of the much-loved elephant alive even after death.

According to sources, Ramu’s skeleton, which was buried underground following his death, will be carefully exhumed from inside the Bharatpur forest under the Chandaka–Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary.

After recovery, the skeletal remains will be transported to the Godibari Prakriti Nivas near Bhubaneswar, where they will be preserved through a scientific conservation process.

Forest officials said the initiative has been undertaken to commemorate Ramu, regarded as one of the most recognisable and oldest male elephants of the sanctuary, and to use the preserved skeleton for education, awareness, and conservation-related purposes.

Expert Team Conducts Field Inspection

Ahead of the recovery operation, a specialised expert team conducted a detailed field inspection at the burial site inside the Bharatpur forest. The team is being led by noted zoologist Shiva Prasad Parida, who assessed the ground conditions and technical requirements necessary for safely excavating and preserving the skeletal remains.

Officials said the inspection focused on identifying appropriate excavation methods, preventing damage to the bones during retrieval, and ensuring that the skeleton can be scientifically conserved once shifted from the forest site. The recovery process will be carried out under close supervision, following established wildlife preservation protocols.

Ramu’s Significance in Chandaka–Dampara

Notably, Ramu was the oldest and largest adult male elephant in the Chandaka–Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary and had become a familiar presence for forest staff and residents in surrounding areas.

He frequently moved through forest patches in Chandaka and Khordha, making him one of the most recognised elephants in the region.

Forest officials noted that Ramu also held significance for conservation efforts, as he was the first tusker in the area that the Forest Department had attempted to radio-collar in 2021, though the attempt was unsuccessful.

ALSO READ: Odisha villages on edge as elephant herd roams nearby

Death Due to Suspected Electrocution

Ramu died on August 19, 2024, after suffering an electric shock near the Bharatpur forest area. His carcass was found close to the boundary wall of the Chandaka forest.

During the postmortem examination, officials found a cut mark on the elephant’s trunk, commonly associated with electrocution cases. The heart was also found to have turned dark, further strengthening the suspicion of death due to electric shock, according to forest officials.