Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): Two young elephants, Kanha and Radhika, have found companionship in each other after being separated from their respective herds, forming a close bond that has made them a popular attraction at the Kumarkhunti Elephant Training Centre in Chandaka.

Both elephants arrived at the centre at a young age after being rescued from difficult circumstances. Away from their mothers and herds, the two gradually began spending more time together and have since developed a strong companionship.

From Rescue to Companionship

Kanha was around two-and-a-half years old when he became separated from his mother. He was rescued from Keonjhar district after sustaining injuries in an incident involving an explosive material.

Radhika, meanwhile, was also separated from her herd and was eventually brought under the care of the elephant training centre.

With neither having the natural companionship of their respective herds, the two young elephants began growing up together.

Their close association is now evident in their daily routine, with the elephants often seen staying near each other, playing and interacting.

Training and Daily Care

Apart from providing shelter and care, handlers at Kumarkhunti have been training the elephants to respond to a range of commands.

Their routine includes feeding, bathing, cleaning and regular training sessions. The elephants have reportedly learnt to perform movements such as sitting, raising their legs and lying down in response to instructions.

Handlers primarily use Assamese commands during training, while the elephants are also familiar with instructions in Odia.

A Special Attraction for Visitors

The elephants are provided a nutritious diet that includes horse gram, pumpkin, wheat and finger millet, with caretakers closely monitoring their daily needs.

Their handlers have also developed a strong rapport with the animals through regular care and training.

For visitors to the Kumarkhunti centre, however, it is the companionship between Kanha and Radhika that stands out. Having lost contact with their mothers at a young age, the two elephants have grown up together and now share a bond that has become one of the centre’s notable attractions.