The Hindu, India
January 13, 2005
CAMPAIGN FOR A JUMBO’S CAUSE
IF YOU have been to Bannerghatta Biological Park, you must have seen
or at least heard about Veda, the six-year-old elephant. The gentle
giant is in the eye of a storm, so to speak, about a planned transfer
to a zoo in Armenia.
Concerned Bangaloreans say it is illegal to shift her to that
country. They plan to organise a signature campaign against the
proposal. To make their protest clear, these citizens will take out a
procession on Sunday showing cartoons on Veda.
According to the protesters, Veda’s transfer from Bangalore to
Armenia is a goodwill gesture by the President and the Prime
Minister.
Such gifts are not uncommon. “It has become a trend for politicians
to gift elephants to temples, States and other countries, without
realising the consequences of their actions and overlooking the laws
on wildlife protection,” says Sharath Babu of People for Animals.
He says the Indian Wildlife Act, 1972 holds “gifting, rearing and
keeping Indian wildlife illegal.” That has not deterred such gifts
being offered to all and sundry.
Peacocks, black bucks, spotted deer and even pythons have been given
to prominent organisations in the city, he says. The protesters want
this “unfortunate practice” checked. And in Veda’s case, they say
that sending the pachyderm to Yerevan Zoo in Armenia is bad for the
mammal. “The climate is freezing there and, besides, the zoo is
unsuited for housing an elephant.” Winters in Armenia range from four
to six months in a year with temperatures varying from -4 to
-14<degree> Celsius, they say.
“Apart from the unsuitable climate of Armenia, Yerevan Zoo lacks the
space, infrastructure and facilities to keep an elephant,” they add.
Sunday’s walk will involve children, their parents and members of
corporates.
The protest march will start at 10 a.m. from the Shankar Nag
Chitramandira (Symphony) on Mahatma Gandhi Road and proceed to the
Mahatma Gandhi statue.
Those who want to know more about the walk and the signature campaign
can call 9880108801.