About Sakrebailu
A century-old elephant camp on the banks of the sacred River Tunga — where 22 magnificent elephants live, train, and inspire generations.
More than a camp.
A living heritage.
Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, located near Shivamogga along the banks of the River Tunga, is one of Karnataka's most celebrated elephant training, rescue and rehabilitation centres. Established and operated by the Karnataka Forest Department, it currently houses 22 elephants — both wild-captured kumki elephants and camp-born calves.
The camp plays a vital role in training elephants for wildlife management operations including driving, rescue, and conflict mitigation. Several of our elephants have served with distinction at the Mysuru and Shivamogga Dasara festivals and in Kannada films.
Mission & Vision
Protect, Train, and Care
Our mission is to protect, train, rescue, and care for the elephants of Karnataka. We work with mahouts, scientists, and local communities so that people and elephants can live together in safety.
Safe Forests, Healthy Elephants
Our vision is a future where every elephant in Karnataka lives safely in healthy forests. We want people and elephants to share the land in peace, and we want their welfare to be protected for generations to come.
What We Do
Seven core programmes — from rescue training to community education — shaping how Karnataka coexists with its largest land mammal.
Kumki Training
Specialised forest rescue and conflict operations
Welfare & Care
Daily nutrition, shelter and dignity for 22 residents
Conflict Mitigation
Reducing human-elephant conflict across Karnataka
Community Education
Eco-tourism and outreach for school groups
Veterinary Health
On-site medical care and routine health monitoring
Breeding Programme
In-camp calves raised by experienced mothers
Cultural Service
Dasara, Hampi Utsav and ceremonial duties
Meet our
22 elephants
Our Heritage
Camp Established
The Karnataka Forest Department founds the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp on the Tunga riverbank.
Kumki Training Begins
The camp formalises kumki elephant training for forest operations and rescue missions across Karnataka.
Public Education Hub
Sakrebailu opens to visitors, becoming a national-class destination for ethical elephant encounters.
Living Heritage
Home to 22 elephants. A model of conservation, training, and welfare worldwide.
Visit · Adopt · Donate
Every visitor, every adopter, every donor sustains the work — feeding, healing, and protecting the 22 elephants of Sakrebailu for the next century.