Kumkis still aggressive due to 'mast'

Efforts to calm and bring down two kmkis (tamed elephants) to normal affected with 'mast,' are continuing in the Nellithurai elephant camp, even after the rejuvenation camp for elephants concluded four days ago.
The kumkis, Nanjan and Pari, from Chadivayal camp near here, were brought to the camp some 50 days ago and were scheduled to leave on February four, along with other temple and forest elephants, after completion of rejuvenation camp.
However, Nanjan suddenly became aggressive due to 'mast' and attacked and pushed down two other forest elephants the previous evening.
Two senior forest officials escaped unhurt when Nanjan attempted to charge on them, as they managed to run sideways, forest department sources said.

Even the mahouts, controlling them, were not allowed to come near by the elephants on that day, due to severeness of the mast, they said.
Nanjan and Pari, are in chains and tied to trees at a distance of nearly 60 foot and mahout and staff are throwing fodder hay to the pachyderms from a distance of 15 foot, the sources said.