Rowdy Ranga wants a mate

Updated on: 22 May,2009 08:32 AM IST |
Chetan R |

The dearth of female elephants in the forest is forcing the wild tusker to set his sights on Bannerghatta National Park which has nine

The dearth of female elephants in the forest is forcing the wild tusker to set his sights on Bannerghatta National Park which has nine

The lecherous Rowdy Ranga is back at Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), in search of female company.

The notorious, 25-year-old, wild tusker made news in 2006 when he killed a villager and created havoc in Hakki-Pikki colony, Byrappanahalli and Buthanahalli. He lay low in the nearby forests after eluding forest officials' attempts to catch him nearly three years back.

Seeking company

The dearth of female elephants in the nearby forest and nine at BNP is the reason for Rowdy Ranga's visits.

"We have ten elephants nine female and a male in park," said Motanna, a mahout at the park. "We let them free at night and go to the forest every morning to bring them back. With Ranga roaming around, we have to enter the forest, risking our lives."

"We are fed up with him," Motanna added. "He is unpredictable and has caused huge damage already."
Ranga spread terror among the staff as he broke gates, solar panels and the park's compound wall. Even visitors panicked.

u00a0"We couldn't control him and this is not the first time he is doing this," said Motanna.

Meanwhile, officials say they are looking at ways to keep him in check. "We will force him to go into the deep forests or catch him if he continues to trouble," said Nagbhushan, BNP range forest officer.

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