In a First, an Elephant Memorial Is Built in Uttar Pradesh

Elephant, the gentle giant has over the ages been exploited by man for various reasons ranging from working in the circus or for ferrying tourists through jungles. They are often subject to abuse while being trained in specific tasks. For the first time, India gets its first ‘Elephant Memorial’ which pays tribute to all the elephants that lost its lives due to abuse, illegal trafficking or cruelty. The memorial is built with the support of Uttar Pradesh Forest Department at the Elephant Conservation & Care Centre, Mathura, which is located 20 mi. away from the Taj Mahal. This unique memorial comprises of stone boulders and  black granite plaques that are engraved with names of some of those elephants who suffered the ill fate. The memorial was recently unveiled by the conservation charity Wildlife SOS. The Elephant Memorial which has been set up by the UP forest department was recently inaugurated by K Praveen Rao, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, Many times, elephants are captured from their natural habitats and brought to cities to be kept in zoos. They are also made to perform various tasks to entertain people. They also carry tourists and help them traverse through jungles. The Elephant memorial will serve as a constant reminder that these gentle beings belong to the wild and that they deserve to be conserved and protected.