Bhubaneswar: An elephant from Nandankanan Zoo died at Chandaka-Dampada wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Monday.
The dead jumbo, identified as Nanda, was brought from Nandankanan to Chandaka’s Godibari in 2010. He was being trained to create an atmosphere of fear for the violent animals.
Earlier on Saturday, Nanda was given a tranquilizer by the Forest Department in order to be taken to the newly constructed Elephant Rescue Center in the sanctuary.
Later, Nanda fainted a few moments after the dose was given to him.
Thereafter, he was being treated by three veterinarians while he was in an unconscious state. However, Nanda died at 3 am this morning.
The actual cause behind his death will be ascertained after the post-mortem procedure, informed Forest Department.
Meanwhile, Chandaka Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) informed Kalinga TV that the elephant was not given a tranquilizer. ” His health deteriorated last evening following which he lost his life today,” he added.
Ms Kalinga