NAGPUR, India- Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) is set to enhance its eco-tourism by introducing elephant safaris on select routes. Bhima and Subhramaniyam, elephants from Karnataka's Borban Elephant Camp, arrived six months ago and are now crucial to rescue and patrolling operations in hard-to-reach areas of the reserve.

After acclimating to Nagpur’s climate and bonding with their new handlers, these elephants have become integral to the reserve’s efforts. According to PTR Deputy Director Dr. Prabhunath Shukla, these elephants are essential for patrolling and tiger rescue in remote forest areas lacking road access.

To promote eco-tourism, visitors can now feed the elephants and take selfies with them in their camp. "We plan to start elephant safaris on some jungle routes soon," Dr. Shukla mentioned.

Recently, a team of veterinarians, mahouts, and caretakers trained in Madhya Pradesh, where elephants have long been used for patrolling and rescue. Experts from Madhya Pradesh will also train PTR's team and elephants.

The elephants, originally from Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka, are housed in two protection camps in PTR's Chorbaoli Forest Range. These camps provide kitchens, storage, medical supplies, and microchipping facilities to ensure the elephants' well-being. The reserve plans to expand its facilities to accommodate more elephants in the future, strengthening its conservation efforts.