Elephants of Sakrebylu
25 elephants — kumkis, calves, matriarchs, and rescued giants. Each with a name, a story, a place at the camp.
Sagar ಸಾಗರ್
Captured in 1998 from Sagara Forest Division and trained at Sakrebailu. Has participated in Shimoga Dasara 15 times and carried the Ambari six times. Veteran of field operations across Thirthahalli, Mudigere, Chikkamagaluru, Dandeli, Hassan, Koppa and Davanagere.
Bengaluru Ganesha ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಗಣೇಶ
A senior tusker named after Karnataka's capital. Years of experience and a calm temperament make him an irreplaceable presence at the camp.
Manikanth ಮಣಿಕಂಠ
Senior tusker of Sakrebailu, named after Lord Ayyappa. Known for his strength and steady presence in the herd.
Ale ಆಲೆ
A young adult tusker still developing his role at the camp. Energetic and quick to learn from senior elephants.
Arjuna ಅರ್ಜುನ
Captured in 2014 from Hassan Forest Division and trained at Sakrebailu. Veteran of elephant rescue and leopard driving operations in Belagavi and N R Pura.
Balanna ಬಾಲಣ್ಣ
Captured in 2017 at Bhadravathi Forest Division and trained at Sakrebailu. Participates in the Shivamogga Dasara procession. Veteran of wild elephant capture operations across Tirthahalli, Mudigere, Balehonnur, Chennagiri, Koppa, Chikkamagaluru, Dandeli and Shantisagar Ranges.
Somanna ಸೋಮಣ್ಣ
Captured in 2017 from Hassan Forest Division and trained at Sakrebailu. Has participated in wild elephant capturing operations in Tirthahalli, Mudigere, Balehonnur, Chennagiri, Koppa, Chikkamagaluru, Dandeli and Shantisagar Ranges.
Ashwathama ಅಶ್ವತ್ಥಾಮ
Captured in 2023 from Aldur Range of Chikkamagaluru Forest Division and trained at Sakrebailu. Named after the brave warrior from the Mahabharata, he stands tall and proud among the camp herd.
Keshava ಕೇಶವ
Captured in 2018 from Hassan Forest Division and trained at Sakrebailu. During capture, both eyes were observed to be blind. Despite his blindness, he enters the forest with the help of smell and sense — and is considered the most beautiful elephant of the camp due to his broad face.
Bahaddur ಬಹದ್ದೂರ್
Captured in 2018 from Bhadravathi Forest Division and trained at Sakrebailu. Participated in the 2024 Shivamogga Dasara procession with the thickest tusks in the camp. Veteran of capture operations in Tirthahalli, Mudigere, Balehonnur, Chennagiri, Koppa, Chikkamagaluru, Dandeli and Shantisagar Ranges.
Raghavendra ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ
Brought from Mantralaya Temple in 2014 and being raised and nurtured at Sakrebailu. He is blind in his right eye and has only partial vision in his left, receiving regular treatment at the camp.
Airavata ಐರಾವತ
Rescued in 2018 from Vettinahole forest area of Sakaleshpura Range as an orphan calf, his mother having died of ageing. Brought to Sakrebailu camp where he was tenderly raised.
Puneeth ಪುನೀತ್
Born to Netra at Sakrebailu camp on 08 July 2019. Named after Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar who visited the camp and saw him as a calf. Recognised as the calf with the longest tusks at a young age.
Kunthi ಕುಂತಿ
Captured in 2014 in Yasaluru Range, Hassan Division and trained at Sakrebailu. The oldest female elephant of Sakrebailu camp. Mother of 4 calves: Arjun, Hemavati, Dhanush and Druva.
Dhruva ಧ್ರುವ
Born to Kunthi at Sakrebailu camp on 15 December 2022. Recently separated from his mother, he is gentle by nature and currently under training.
Netravathi ನೇತ್ರಾವತಿ
Born to Geetha at Sakrebailu in 1998. Participated in the 2011 Hampi Utsav and the 2022 Shivamogga Dasara. Mother of Surya, Kiran, Parvati, Shivu, Puneeth and Chamundi.
Netra Calf ನೇತ್ರಾ ಮರಿ
A young female calf born to Netravathi at Sakrebailu. Currently nursing and being lovingly raised by her mother and the camp mahouts.
Bhanumathi ಭಾನುಮತಿ
Captured in 2014 in Yesaluru Range, Hassan Division and trained at Sakrebailu. Has graced the Shivamogga Dasara festival twice. First-ever female elephant used as lure to attract male elephants in Haveri.
Bhanumathi Calf ಭಾನುಮತಿ ಮರಿ
A young female calf born to Bhanumathi at Sakrebailu. Affectionate and curious, she follows the herd everywhere.
Dhanush ಧನುಷ್
Born to Kunthi at Sakrebailu on 30 August 2018. Featured in the documentary "Gandada Gudi Part-2" by Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar. Has all qualities and potential to become a kumki elephant.
Vikrant ವಿಕ್ರಾಂತ್
A wild tusker captured (Kadane) from Belur Range, Hassan. Approximately 35 years old and currently undergoing training at Sakrebailu.
Makana ಮಕನಾ
Among Asian elephants, males normally have tusks while females do not. Due to a genetic mutation, some males do not develop tusks and are called "Makana". Brought from Belur Range of Hassan Forest Division on 20 March 2025.
Adakabadak ಅಡಕಬಡಕ
A wild tusker captured (Kadane operation), approximately 18 years old and currently in early training at Sakrebailu.
Wild Elephant 1 ಕಾಡು ಆನೆ ೧
A young wild tusker recently brought to the camp, approximately 8 years old. Currently being acclimatised before training begins.
Wild Elephant 2 ಕಾಡು ಆನೆ ೨
A wild tusker recently captured and brought to the camp, approximately 18 years old. Currently in initial acclimatisation phase.
