19-Year-Old Elephant Dies at Dubare Camp in Kodagu After Five Months of Treatment

Kushalnagar: A 19-year-old male elephant, which had been undergoing treatment at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu since April, died on Tuesday morning (29 September 2026) despite more than five months of continuous medical care, the Forest Department said.

The elephant died at around 9.50 a.m. after it suddenly collapsed. Forest Department veterinarians immediately administered intravenous fluids and provided intensive care, but the elephant did not respond to treatment, the Madikeri Division Forest Department said.

The elephant had arrived at the camp with injuries sustained in a fight and a fractured tooth. It was kept separately under quarantine and monitored closely to minimise physical and mental stress. Veterinarians provided daily antibiotics, painkillers, wound treatment and nutritional supplements as part of its treatment, according to officials.

For specialised care, the Forest Department brought in a team of experienced wildlife veterinarians from Wildlife SOS. A joint health examination was conducted, during which a digital X-ray confirmed a fracture in the elephant’s left elbow bone, officials said.

Based on the specialists’ recommendations, advanced treatment was continued. The elephant was also allowed to remain outside the kraal to reduce pressure on its injured leg.

The Forest Department said a fibreglass cast was also applied to the injured leg as part of efforts to stabilise it.

A post-mortem examination is being conducted to establish the exact cause of death. According to preliminary veterinary findings, the elephant may have succumbed to prolonged complications arising from the bone fracture, continued ill health and physical weakness or systemic exhaustion, officials said.

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