Lockdown effect to Captive elephants and their owners- A case from Sauraha, Nepal

The prevalence of domesticating elephants in Nepal has a long history. It has been associated with religious belief and practices, and elephant was a symbol of wealthy owner in past. The capture and training of wild elephants was a common practice. But now the number of domesticated elephants are in decreasing manner from 20^th century which is a good sign for environment and wild life conservationist. The domesticated captive elephants are used for tourist excursions. However, some of them are used to control wildlife- human conflict. And to count wild rhinos and tigers too. Strong conservation policy will almost certainly contribute to maintain the numbers in near future. These animals have to suffer a lot being captive.

Few days ago, Lockdown was opened and planed to see the beauty of Sauraha (Tourist destination located at Chitwan). I encountered with a captive elephant and her owner. Here is quick short report on it:

Lockdown effect to Captive elephants and their owners

Elephant adjacent to is runner up in elephant tournament held this year. Rishi Tiwari is her owner. This four month have been tough for Rishi Tiwari. Feeding her elephant has become the difficult task for him due to lockdown that lasted for around 4 months due to COVID-19. Tourist- their main primary source of income has dried for several months. He said that the situation is more difficult than that during 2015 earthquake in Nepal. He highlighted that he ended his stock but somehow managed to feed her.

“We cannot stock quintals of paddy”, said Tiwari. Villagers helped him during this lockdown while feeding elephant. He also added that lately Local tourism financiers and animal rights groups voiced concerns requesting that the elephants be freed and fed. Following the request, Chitwan National Park and other local authorities allowed the elephants to go out and graze on grassland areas on the banks of the Rapti.(not inside CNP). This have given little respite for elephants and to him as well, according to the owner. He suggested that small section could be separated for these elephants for grazing.

I would like to know what could be best solution for those all captive elephants. Suggest me some.

Thanks!