Tourist Killed as Two Captive Elephants Fight at Karnataka Camp

A tourist was killed and a trained elephant later died from its injuries following a violent clash between two captive elephants at a popular wildlife camp in southern India. The incident occurred on Monday at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, prompting state authorities to impose immediate restrictions on tourist proximity to elephants.

The victim was identified as Tulasi, a 33-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu. Officials said she was standing near the riverbank watching a routine elephant bathing session when two trained elephants, Kanjan and Marthanda, began fighting. Despite efforts by their handlers, or mahouts, to control them, Kanjan charged at Marthanda. During the struggle, Marthanda lost its balance and fell, trapping the woman underneath. She died at the scene. Her husband and child, who were also present, narrowly escaped unharmed.

Marthanda, a 53-year-old elephant weighing approximately 4,500 kilograms, sustained severe injuries in the fight and succumbed to them the following day, according to forest officials. A postmortem examination is being conducted.

In response, Karnataka’s Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Eshwar Khandre,...