We headed on the bus at 10 am from our university college and reached at the destination, Nepal Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) located in Sauraha of CNP. We gathered inside a hall and presentations was given by Dr. Krishna Gaire through whom we learnt the situations and health status of elephants in Sauraha. Doctor Kamal Gaire told us that out of 220 elephants in Nepal, 20 are under medication for tuberculosis. The first was detected in 2005. The disease was detected in around 23% of total elephants across the country. These elephants were put on medication as part of tuberculosis alleviation project with financial assistance from Elephant care International. Chief conservation officer at CNP, Ram Chandra Kandel told the infected elephants were kept under close surveillance and that disease attacks mainly weak and old elephants and the tuskers that perform heavy works.

He said that perhaps the reverse zoonosis of tuberculosis result from the unhygienic smoking and weak health of mahouts( one who ride on,train or keep elephants). From infected elephants, the bacteria can also transmit to the other important endangered animals like Rhinos. So, it is a prime threat that need to be controlled and solved soon from respective authority.

Lastly, the trip was entertaining as well as informative. It gave us knowledge about the zoonotic disease tuberculosis and its impact on elephant and next to the whole wildlife.