IWN Report — Wednesday, 16 September 2026

Sixteen elephants at Kanha Tiger Reserve clocked out of patrol duty this week for a six-day break. The camp began on 15 September in the reserve’s Supkhar range, in Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh, and runs until 20 September, according to News on Air, the government broadcaster.

Kanha holds this rejuvenation camp every year for its working elephant squad — nine males, six females and one newborn calf this year. Outside camp season, the herd patrols Kanha’s forests, monitors wildlife, handles translocations and takes on extra patrolling during the monsoon.

This week, the elephants get a break from that routine, along with bathing, body and foot massages, nutritious food, and time for social activities with the rest of the herd. Veterinary teams are using the same week to run health assessments on each animal, including blood, stool and urine tests and physical measurements.

Mahouts and keepers are being trained alongside their elephants. According to News on Air, the training covers elephant care and handling, including how to manage the animals during emergencies.

Sources: News on Air