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Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, Kottoor (Trivandrum)
The Elephant Rehabilitation Centre located in Kottoor, near Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala, is a unique facility dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of elephants. Nestled within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, this center provides a haven for injured, abandoned, or rescued elephants, offering them medical care, food, and a safe environment to live in. It’s a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and tourists who want to see elephants up close in a humane and natural setting.
Key Attractions:
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Elephant Care and Treatment:
The primary focus of the rehabilitation center is to care for elephants that have been injured, orphaned, or are too old to work. The elephants receive medical treatment, proper nutrition, and are cared for by experienced mahouts. Visitors can observe how the elephants are bathed, fed, and cared for in a peaceful environment. -
Elephant Bathing and Feeding:
One of the major attractions at the center is watching elephants being bathed in the nearby river. Visitors can see how these gentle giants enjoy their daily bath, scrubbed clean by their caretakers. After the bath, the elephants are fed a nutritious diet, and visitors can sometimes participate in feeding, adding a fun and interactive element to the visit. -
Baby Elephants:
The center is home to baby elephants (calves) that have been rescued or abandoned. Watching baby elephants being taken care of and interacting with each other is a heartwarming experience, especially for children and animal lovers. The calves are often the highlight of a visit, as they are playful and curious. -
Mahout Training and Interaction:
The rehabilitation center also focuses on training mahouts (elephant caretakers) on how to handle elephants with compassion and respect. Visitors can interact with mahouts and learn more about the relationship between elephants and their handlers, as well as the efforts to create a better environment for the elephants.
Unique Highlights:
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Wildlife Experience:
Being located within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the rehabilitation center offers a unique opportunity to experience Kerala’s natural wildlife up close. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of species, including deer, wild boar, and several bird species. Visitors can explore the sanctuary and spot different animals while learning about the efforts to conserve the region’s wildlife. -
Elephant Adoption Program:
The center offers an "Elephant Adoption Program," where visitors can symbolically adopt an elephant by contributing to its care. This program allows individuals to support the center’s efforts and helps provide for the rehabilitation of elephants in need. -
Education and Conservation:
The Elephant Rehabilitation Centre plays an important role in educating visitors about the conservation of elephants and their natural habitats. The staff conducts educational programs and provides information on the importance of protecting these majestic animals from poaching and illegal wildlife trade. -
Nature Trails and Trekking:
In addition to observing the elephants, visitors can explore the surrounding Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary through nature walks and trekking trails. The natural beauty of the region, with its dense forests, rivers, and wildlife, offers a great opportunity for adventure and eco-tourism.
Distance from Nagercoil:
The Elephant Rehabilitation Centre in Kottoor is approximately 85 kilometers from Nagercoil, and the drive takes about 2 hours. The scenic route passes through small towns, plantations, and forested areas, making the journey to the center a beautiful and pleasant experience.