Ernakulam: Aanayoottu (elephant feeding) was held at Abhayaranyam on Tuesday to mark World Elephant Day. The centre, which comes under the Kodanad research range, organised a special feast for its seven elephants, featuring bananas, watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, carrots, and sugarcane, along with their regular diet of rice, ragi, wheat, horse gram, green gram, turmeric powder, and jaggery.

The event was led by Forest Conservator Indu Vijayan IFS, Deputy Conservator Fen Antony, Assistant Conservator R Delto L Marokey, Veterinary Officer Dr Binoy C Babu, and Range Forest Officer Rasheed T M. Elephant enthusiasts and school students also participated.

Speaking on the occasion, Indu Vijayan said World Elephant Day aims to raise public awareness about conserving elephants in their natural habitats. “Elephants are considered an umbrella species because of their size and the vast areas they cover. Protecting them ensures the survival of many other species linked to their ecosystem,” she noted, adding that the Centre’s Project Elephant, launched in 1992, provides states with technical and financial assistance for elephant conservation.

She also stressed the importance of ensuring the welfare of elephants in captivity and mitigating human-elephant conflict. “This day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to care for captive elephants and to promote peaceful coexistence with them,” she added.