Elephants Receive New Sanctuary Home After Tragic Incidents

ISKCON Mayapur authorities have relocated two captive elephants, Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya, to a sanctuary in Gujarat following incidents threatening public safety. The move was made with the backing of a Supreme Court committee, amid calls from PETA India to better care for the animals through rehabilitation.

In a move prompted by public safety concerns, ISKCON Mayapur has transferred their two captive elephants, Bishnupriya and Lakshmipriya, to a private sanctuary in Gujarat's Vantara region. This follows unfortunate incidents where one of the elephants caused fatalities and injuries to mahouts.

The decision was sanctioned by a Supreme Court high-powered committee and stems from compassion as expressed by spokesperson Sadananda Vrajeswar Das. The temple had used the elephants for over a decade in rituals and festivals.

PETA India praised the action, encouraging other institutions to follow suit. They emphasize the potential of mechanical elephants as alternatives to live ones for ritualistic purposes.

(With inputs from agencies.)