UPDATE ON "LOKI" THE INDIAN ELEPHANT
March 11, 2002

More Information About IPAN Animal Refuge Veterinary Services Education Animal Conditions Project Reports "Loki" the Indian Elephant and related issues How you can help

India Project for Animals and Nature (IPAN) has remained silent over the fate of the captured elephant named Loki for some time because of various political factors and vested interests. But now thanks to the support of Union Minister Ms. Maneka Gandhi and attorney Mr. G. Ragendran, a landmark case was won recently in the Madras High Court. The High Court Judge ruled that IPAN's team of elephant experts could go to the elephant camp where Loki is incarcerated, evaluate his condition and provide what treatment was deemed necessary and advise the Forest Department on whatever improvements in his general care/husbandry are needed. The team was led by Dr. James Mahoney who had treated Loki three years earlier. Dr. Mahoney was assisted by three other IPAN volunteer veterinarians, Dr. Dwight Gaudet from California, Dr. Alexija Nemanis from Canada, and Johann Lindsjo from Sweden, and world renowned elephant husbandry expert from San Diego Zoo Mr. Alan Roocroft.

We are saddened that the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, which operates the elephant camp and claims authority over the elephant Loki, after several days of the IPAN team caring for the elephant, filed a restraining order to prohibit the IPAN team from further involvement. The case is now in the Supreme Court in New Delhi and three Supreme Court Judges will decide on the fate of this elephant. According to local newspaper reports, the Forest Department was given 15 days to give their report on the elephant's condition. They sent in three veterinarians who claim that the elephant has now been completely healed "with a new mixture of olive oil, honey, and barley." They also held a press conference and showed journalists a bullet that they claim to have removed from the elephant. So the saga of Loki continues.

Please do not contact IPAN for further information since we do not have any assistance in the US to deal with same. An e-mail of thanks to Maneka Gandhi for her continuing support and efforts to open India's door to foreign elephant experts would be appropriate. This is just the beginning. Maneka Gandhi's e-mail: psmos.cul@sb.nic.in.