In a heartbreaking turn of events, Arjuna, the legendary elephant who graced the Mysuru Dasara for 22 years, met a tragic end at the age of 64. Pulled out of retirement to confront a wild, rogue tusker, Arjuna's courage and fearlessness were put to the ultimate test.
The ill-fated mission, orchestrated by the Karnataka Forest Department, took a devastating turn when a veterinarian accidentally shot and tranquillized one of the trained elephants, Prashanth, instead of the intended target—the marauding wild tusker. In the ensuing chaos, the aggressive wild elephant, in a state of musth, charged at Arjuna, goring him near the trunk and abdomen, and breaking his ribs.
Despite standing his ground valiantly, Arjuna succumbed to his injuries at the Yesalur Range in Hassan district’s Sakleshpur. The untimely demise marked the end of an era for the majestic elephant, who had carried the howdah as part of Mysuru Dasara for eight years, captivating the hearts of onlookers.
The Forest Department's 11-day attempt to capture the wild jumbo came to an abrupt halt following Arjuna's tragic end. Wildlife conservationists, elephant enthusiasts, and Dasara spectators mourned the loss of the iconic tusker, questioning the lapses in the capture operation.
Joseph Hoover, President of the United Conservation Movement (UCM), held the chief wildlife warden accountable for Arjuna's untimely death. Hoover emphasized that Arjuna, retired for four years and in musth, should not have been part of the operation. He also pointed out the lack of expertise on the part of the veterinarian tasked with the mission.
“The veterinarian who was tasked with the operation had only around two years of experience and instead of shooting the tranquillizer dart at the wild rogue tusker, shot at one of the kumki elephants," Hoover explained. The tragic incident has sparked discussions about the protocols and preparedness in such critical operations.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his grief over the loss of Arjuna, acknowledging the elephant's significance in Mysuru Dasara. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges in balancing conservation efforts with the safety of both domesticated and wild elephants.