Little Krishna steals the spotlight at 2026 Bandhavgarh Elephant Rejuvenation Camp: Festival of Rest and Care for the Gentle Giants Begins
The 'Elephant Rejuvenation' Camp 2026, dedicated to the care, health, and rejuvenation of elephants, was inaugurated on Thursday in the Dhamokhar buffer zone near the Parasi Gate of the world-renowned Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The event was attended by Umaria Collector Smt. Rakhi Sahay, senior Forest Department officials, public representatives, and local villagers.
Shri Yohan Katara, Deputy Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, stated that the objective of the Elephant Rejuvenation Camp is to provide 'camp elephants' with a break from their routine duties, ensure better healthcare, and provide them with nutritious and preferred food. This helps in keeping the elephants mentally and physically healthy.
Little 'Krishna' Draws Everyone's Attention
A young male elephant named 'Krishna' was the main attraction during the camp. Krishna drew everyone's attention with his playfulness, frolicking, and innocent demeanor. Krishna was born in Bandhavgarh in October 2025. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav had named him during a visit to Bandhavgarh on December 31, 2025.
9 Out of 15 Camp Elephants Participating in the Camp
Currently, there are a total of 15 'camp elephants' stationed at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Of these, four are engaged in rescue operations, and two are involved in monitoring tasks. The remaining nine elephants have been included in the Elephant Rejuvenation Camp 2026. At the camp, these elephants are being given a break from routine work and are receiving health check-ups, nutritious and preferred food, and special care. The objective is to keep the elephants physically and mentally rejuvenated.
Boosting tourism and public awareness in the buffer zone
The Parasi Gate has been selected for this year's 'Elephant Rejuvenation' camp. The initiative aims to provide a better environment for the camp elephants, promote tourism activities in the buffer zone, and raise awareness among local villagers about wildlife. Villagers from Parasi and the surrounding areas are getting the opportunity to participate in the camp, observe the elephants up close, and learn about their behavior, care, and conservation.
Some camp elephants could not participate due to a rescue operation
An elephant rescue operation is also underway in the Gorsari forest area of the Maihar Forest Division. This operation is being conducted by camp elephants from Bandhavgarh, Wildlife Health Officer Dr. Tomar, and a rescue team, under the leadership of Dr. Anupam Sahay, Field Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Consequently, some camp elephants were unable to participate in this event.