Mysuru Dasara Ambari elephant Balarama falls ill, under intensive care

Team Udayavani, May 5, 2023, 9:19 AM IST

Hunsur: Balarama, the elephant known for carrying Ambari 14 times during the world-famous Mysuru Dasara, has fallen ill. Balarama is currently under the care of a team of veterinarians at the Bhimanakatte Elephant Camp of Hunsur Range in Nagarahole Park.

Balarama, who is around 67 years old, has reportedly been suffering from a “mouth ulcer” for the past ten days. The veterinarians suspect that Balarama may have tuberculosis (TB) and are awaiting the results of an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

The team of veterinarians, led by Dr. Ramesh, is providing on-site treatment for Balarama. Forest officials, including RFO Ratnakar, DRFO Siddharaju, and Nagarahole Park chief Harsha Kumar Chikkanaragunda, as well as Balarama’s mahout Thimma, Kavadi Manjanath, and other staff, are supporting the elephant’s care.

Balarama is reportedly unable to eat solid food and is being given soft food like ragi porridge, millet flour, bananas, and watermelons.

Speaking to Udayavani, Harsha Kumar Chikkanaragunda stated that Balarama’s diagnosis and treatment would be determined based on the results of the endoscopy report.