Kerala’s captive elephant population has witnessed a sharp decline, with no recorded births in the last two decades. The state now has only 341 bull elephants and 48 cow elephants in captivity, a significant drop compared to the total of 702 elephants in 2010.
The dwindling numbers have raised concerns among wildlife enthusiasts and temple authorities, as elephants play a vital role in Kerala’s cultural and religious traditions. Captive elephants, particularly bulls, are integral to temple festivals, including the famed Thrissur Pooram.
Experts attribute the decline to restrictions on breeding captive elephants, strict wildlife regulations, and a growing awareness about animal welfare. They also point out that natural reproduction is limited among captive elephants due to the absence of conducive environments.
With the average age of captive elephants increasing, the state faces challenges in maintaining its cultural heritage while adhering to ethical treatment and conservation of these majestic animals.
