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Introduction of Sakrebailu Elephant Camp
Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, located about 14 km from Shivamogga in Karnataka, is a well-known training and rehabilitation center managed by the state forest department. Nestled on the banks of the Tunga River, the camp serves as a home for elephants that are rescued, rehabilitated, or trained under expert mahouts. Visitors can witness elephants being bathed and fed in the mornings, offering a close look at their daily care and the bond between elephants and their caretakers. Surrounded by lush greenery, the camp also promotes eco-tourism and wildlife conservation, making it a serene and educational destination for nature and animal lovers alike.
Why Sakrebailu an ideal location for an Elephant Camp?
The location of Sakrebailu was ideal for establishing an elephant camp due to its proximity to the Tunga River and the dense forests surrounding it. The river provides a constant source of water, essential for the elephants’ daily bathing and drinking needs, while the lush greenery offers ample food and shade. The serene and natural environment of the area ensures minimal human disturbance, creating a peaceful setting for the elephants to thrive and recover.
History of Sakrebailu
  • Around 1905, the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp was established near the old Sakrebailu village, which is now submerged in the waters of the Tunga Reservoir. At that time, the construction of railway lines from areas such as Agumbe, Sringeri, Kudremukh, Ganga Moola in the limits of Shimoga and Chikmagalur and elephants from the Sakrebail Elephant Camp are used to haul logs from the forests needed to build electricity poles.
  • Around 1954, when the Tunga Reservoir dam was constructed, the old Sakrebailu village was shifted to its present location, and the elephant camp there was also shifted to the new Sakrebailu village.
  • Around 2006, the elephant camp was shifted from Sakrebailu village to its current location, which has ample water and spacious spaces.
Special Features of Sakrebailu Elephant Camp
A Camp of Historic Excellence, Home to Karnataka’s Legendary Elephants and Timeless Traditions
01
According to available records, the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp was once home to 25 to 30 elephants. Over the years, several distinguished elephants served at the camp, including Rajendra, Hamsa, Raja, Pattada Rama, Parandhama, Bharatha, Balarama, Bhimasena, Sundaragaja, Nanjunda, Bhaskara, Girinda, Kumara, Padma Chandi, Lalitha, Maat, Kalyani, Kamala, Lakshmi, Bhagirathi, Bharathi, and many others. These elephants played vital roles in forestry operations and contributed significantly to the region's heritage.
02
In the past, elephants were captured in groups using the traditional Khedda method, after which suitable elephants were selected and tamed. The elephants from the Sakrebailu Camp actively participated in several such Khedda operations, showcasing their strength, discipline, and skill in handling wild elephants.
03
Importantly, from the Khedda operation in Kodagu in 1968 to the last Khedda operation in Kakana Kote in 1971, Sakrebail's Bhimasena, Chandi, Bhagirathi, Bharathi, Bhaskar and other such Elephants were participated.
04
In the past, elephants like Indri, Bhagirathi, Bhaskara, Bhanumati, Kalyani, Nandi, Sundri brought from Budipadaga Khedda, and elephants like Kaveri, Kapila, Subhadra, Gayathri, Geetha brought from Khedda in Kodagu in 1968 and elephants like Bahubali, Drona, Gange, Kunti, Kasturi and Lilly brought from Khedda in Kakanakote in 1971 were tamed and trained at Sakrebailu Elephant Camp
05
Drona Elephant, renowned for carrying the Mysore Dasara Ambari 18 times - A record that even the famous Balarama, with 14 times, could not surpass Drona- was tamed and trained at Sakrebailu Elephant Camp. He was sent from Sakrebailu for the Mysore Dasara procession in 1978, showcasing the camp's pride and expertise.
06
Since its inception, a unique feature of the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp has been the presence of milk-fed elephant calves, reflecting the camp's long-standing commitment to nurturing and caring for elephants from a young age.
07
Sakrebailu is proud to have trained the elephant named “New Tusker,” renowned for its daring and dashing nature—much like the present-day Abhimanyu of Nagarahole. This remarkable elephant participated in major wild elephant capture operations across Maharashtra, Goa, Bukkapatna, and other regions.
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08
As a testament to its expertise, Sakrebailu Elephant Camp successfully tamed and trained the elephant named “Bengaluru Ganesh,” who was previously known as “the Short Temper” after having tragically killed his trainers.
09
In recent years, operations have been carried out in places such as Channagiri, Chitradurga, Chikkamagaluru, N.R. Pura, Arasikere, Shikaripura, Honnali, Dandeli, Ubrani, Siddapur, Khanapur, Thirthahalli, Aldur, Mudigere, and others with the assistance of elephants from Sakrebailu Elephant Camp. These elephants have played a vital role in safely capturing wild elephants involved in human-wildlife conflicts.
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Elephants captured during conflict mitigation operations or brought to the camp due to injuries or as orphans receive medical treatment and are subsequently released back into the forest. Only in cases where it is deemed necessary and appropriate are these captured elephants tamed, trained, and retained at the camp.
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Several domesticated elephants born, trained, and tamed at Sakrebailu Elephant Camp have been transferred to other states under the Wildlife Transfer Act. Among them, Ravi and Shiva were handed over to Madhya Pradesh; Surya, Kiran, Bhaskara, Amrutha, and Parvati to Uttar Pradesh; Mahesh, Lava, and Kush to Kerala; Mayura, Hemavati, Shivagange, and Tirtharam to Dubare; Prakruti to Pondicherry; and Krishna and Abhimanyu to Andhra Pradesh.
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In the recent years, captive elephants like Abhimanyu, Krishna, Ravi, Adaka-Badaka, Sagar, Balanna, Bahadur, Ashwathama, Vikrant, Makana have been tamed and trained at Sakrebyalu Elephant Camp.
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The method of taming elephants at Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is different from other camps. While the “Kokke” method is followed in other camps, the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp uses a method called “Jodukule”, which is a developed method of taming elephants.
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In the past, experienced elephant Jamedars such as Mr. Sabusaab, Mr. Abdul Rahim, Mr. Hanif, and Chief Minister's Medal winner Mr. Kudrat Pasha, etc., as well as elephant Mahuth's such as Mr. Syed Ahmed, Mr. Basha, Mr. Nisar Ahmed, who handed over the Bhagirathi elephant to France on the orders of the Government of India, have served at Sakrebailu Elephant Camp.
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Role Of Elephants In The Forest Eco-System
Forest Shapers (Habitat Modifiers)
Elephants knock down trees and break branches while feeding. This helps open up the forest canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the ground. As a result, new plants and grasses grow, which supports other animals.
Seed Dispersers
Elephants eat a variety of fruits and excrete the seeds far from the parent trees. Their dung not only helps transport seeds but also provides nutrients that help the seeds germinate. This promotes forest regeneration and biodiversity.
Nutrient Cyclers
Elephant dung is rich in organic matter and nutrients. It enriches the soil and supports decomposers like insects and microorganisms, which are vital for a healthy forest ecosystem.
Water Resource Creators
In dry seasons, elephants dig in riverbeds or low-lying areas to find water. These small water holes benefit many other animals who depend on them for drinking.
Maintaining Ecological Balance
By controlling the growth of trees and shrubs, elephants help maintain a balance between forested and open areas. This balance supports diverse plant and animal species.
Supporting Other Wildlife
The trails elephants create while moving through forests are used by other animals. Their dung also provides food for insects and birds.
STAFFS OF SAKREBAILU WILDLIFE RANGE
71
01
 
Range Forest Officer
07
 
Deputy Range Forest Officers
02
 
Ane Jamedar
02
Forest Guards
16
 
Ane Mavuta
05
 
Ane Kavadis
01
 
Forest Watchers
03
 
Kshemabhivruddi Watchers
19
Outsouce PCP Ane Kavadis
15
 
Outsource PCP Watchers Sakrebailu Range
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