It is time for rejuvenation for elephants of the Guruvayur Devaswom. For the next one month, starting July 1, the jumbos at the Punnathur elephant camp will be pampered with body massage, elaborate bathing, exercise, and special food to improve their health, beauty, and immunity.
It has been three decades since the Devaswom started the annual rejuvenation therapy for its elephants. The therapy (Sukha Chikilsa) has been done according to a scientifically charted programme under the monitoring of an expert panel of doctors. An amount of ₹14 lakh has been earmarked for the therapy by the Devaswom.
“Rejuvenation therapy, whether it is for human beings or animals, used to be given during monsoon season. The treatment protocol has been prepared mainly according to their weight, age, and health conditions. Since these are captive elephants with controlled feeding, they may have some deficiency of micro and macro nutrients. Compensating that deficiency is the main objective,” says P.B. Giridas, one of the panel doctors.
