Cloud of uncertainty looms over three circus elephants

PURULIA: As the

Central Zoo Authority

(CZA) is still deciding whether to acknowledge the captive animal facility of Ajanta Circus, the circus' three elephant trio -Chanda, Laxmi and Padma -who had been performing three shows daily during Rash mela at Purulia have been left behind after their last show on Tuesday.

After their stint in Purulia, the circus has now moved to

Midnapore

. Currently, the elephants are in a catch 22 situation as the troupe is unable to take them anywhere and the government pleading helplessness.

The government finds it difficult to take care of the pachyderms as south Bengal lacks infrastructure. Currently, they are in a tent at the GL Church ground under the watch of a Circus caretaker.

Bimal Kumar, DFO, Kangsabato north, said, “We are unable to take responsibi lity for the upkeep of the three elephants as we have no facility anywhere in south Bengal for keeping captive elephants.“

Ajanta Circus manager T Jairaj said, “It is true we no longer have permission to stage shows with elephants. But we will do our best to look after the elephants.“

According to CZA guidelines, the state circuses can chain their elephants only onone feet and it can only be chained on more feet if it creates problems.

“CZA had identified 21 cir cuses, including Ajanta Circus, which were barred from using elephants. We have already rescued four elephants from circus shows and the way the elephants were treated at the Purulia circus shows that it is not acceptable.We will inquire into the violations,“ said

Vinod Kumar Yadav

, member secretary of

West Bengal

Zoo Authority.

When asked about alleged ill-treatment of the elephants by them, Jairaj said, “We have been keeping elephants this way. They are a part of our family.“