Four elephants from Karnataka relocated to Japan in landmark international wildlife exchange

In a milestone wildlife relocation effort, four elephants from Karnataka’s Bannerghatta Biological Park have been successfully transferred to Japan, marking the first international elephant exchange of its kind involving India.

The animals are now settling into their new home at Himeji Central Park in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture.

The four elephants — Suresh (8), Gauri (9), Shruti (7), and Tulsi (5) — were flown from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru to Kansai International Airport in Osaka on July 24, aboard a Qatar Airways B777-200F cargo aircraft.

After the over eight-hour journey, the elephants reached Japan safely on Friday and were transported by road in specially designed enclosures to Himeji.

Seamless relocation ensured by Indian team

A dedicated team from Bannerghatta Biological Park, including veterinary officers, mahouts, a supervisor, and a biologist, accompanied the elephants to ensure their comfort throughout the journey.

Videos shared by park officials show the elephants resting and exploring their new enclosures, appearing relaxed and curious in their spacious, naturalistic surroundings.

To prepare for the relocation, the elephants underwent three months of specialised behavioural training. The support team will remain in Japan for 15 days to assist with the elephants’ adaptation and ensure a smooth transition.

Wildlife exchange to bring exotic species to Bannerghatta

As part of a mutual exchange programme, rare species such as cheetahs, jaguars, pumas, chimpanzees, and capuchin monkeys are expected to arrive at Bannerghatta Biological Park in the near future. The initiative will offer Indian visitors a chance to observe exotic wildlife in enriched habitats.

This carefully coordinated exchange has been in planning since 2023, involving collaboration between the Central Zoo Authority, the Embassies of Japan and India, and various government bodies.

Bannerghatta: A crucial wildlife corridor

Established in 2002, Bannerghatta Biological Park is carved out of Bannerghatta National Park, which spans across Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru South districts. The park forms a vital elephant corridor linking the BR Hills and Sathyamangalam forests, and is bordered by the Talli and Bilikal reserve forests.

Bannerghatta is also home to India’s first butterfly park and pioneered the country’s first fenced, forested elephant sanctuary, cementing its legacy as a leader in wildlife conservation and education.

—  With inputs from IANS