The recent transportation of Pratima, an elephant, and her calf due to a medical emergency has stirred controversy within wildlife conservation circles. The decision, executed by a committee, to relocate the elephants from their natural habitat in the northeast to Jamnagar, Gujarat, has faced criticism from wildlife activists and experts alike.

Mr. Choudhury, a prominent activist, has expressed strong reservations about the rushed relocation of these elephants. He emphasized that the decision was made without adequately exploring local treatment options available in the northeast, despite the region housing over 1,000 elephants in captivity and having a well-established network of wildlife professionals capable of providing necessary care and treatment.

Moreover, the transfer of Pratima and her calf has raised legal concerns. Mr. Choudhury pointed out potential violations of wildlife protection laws, citing the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 and the recent Captive Elephant (Transfer and Transport) Rules of 2024, which mandate stringent protocols for elephant transfers, including valid ownership certificates and genetic mapping—elements reportedly absent in this instance.

The activist further questioned the rationale behind selecting Jamnagar as the destination, suggesting that alternative treatment options within the northeast could have avoided subjecting the elephants to a taxing 3,000 km journey during the intense summer heat.

There are broader apprehensions among wildlife advocates that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, potentially accelerating the illegal trade of captive elephants across India. The secretive nature of the committee’s proceedings has fueled fears that this may lead to the systematic transfer of elephants from the northeast to Jamnagar, permanently displacing these animals from their natural habitat.

Mr. Choudhury’s concerns resonate with many in the conservation community who believe that transparency and public engagement are crucial in decisions affecting the welfare of Schedule I animals like elephants. He has urged the committee to conduct its proceedings openly, engaging civil society, wildlife experts, and local forest officials in discussions before finalizing any transfers.

Furthermore, Mr. Choudhury stressed the importance of maintaining a publicly accessible database detailing the health and status of elephants relocated from their natural habitats. He emphasized that removing elephants from the northeast should never be the default solution, especially considering the ecological and cultural significance of these animals in the region.

The controversy underscores a larger debate about balancing wildlife conservation with urgent medical interventions for captive animals. Stakeholders are eagerly anticipating a more transparent and consultative approach from the committee, aligning with the broader imperative of protecting India’s precious wildlife heritage. As discussions unfold, the fate of Pratima and her calf serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical and legal responsibilities inherent in wildlife management and conservation efforts.