Gopalaswamy: The calm Dasara Jumboo is no more.
Dasara elephant Gopalaswamy, aged around 40, died in Nagarahole on the 23rd November afternoon after sustaining grievous injuries in a fight with a wild tusker. News source says Gopalaswamy left Mathigodu camp on Tuesday afternoon.
The elephant was embroiled in a fight with a wild tusker which was in the vicinity and though the mahouts and camp attendants tried to separate the elephants, it was an impossible task. At one point, the mahouts were chased by the wild tusker. Gopalaswamy succumbed to the injuries sustained due to the fight.
The 39-year-old tusker had been participating in Mysuru Dasara celebrations for the past 14 years. Goapalaswamy was captured from Hethur forest region of Karnataka’s Hassan district in 2009 and was placed at Mathigodu camp in Kodagu district.
He was the hope for the future:
Gopalaswamy was calm, composed and a well-mannered elephant. It was touted as the successor of Abhimanyu because of its soft nature. Gopalaswamy was much loved and adored by Mysureans.
Common gate to RMNH and Karanji Lake
To facilitate convenience of tourists, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo), threw open the common entry gate that connects Karanji Lake Nature Park with the Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH).
This common gate was set up many years ago. It was closed as there were some complaints of illegal and immoral activities in the vicinity. But now, this gate has been reopened again after a facelift with all necessary measures in place for the benefit of tourists and visitors.
As a result of this common gate, a common parking area will be used to both the places. Also, the common gate will save time and money for tourists. The entry fee to the Lake (₹30) remains unchanged. The gate will also reduce the travelling distance by two to three kms to reach the two places.