A tourist from Tamil Nadu died after being caught in a clash between two captive elephants at the popular Dubare Elephant Camp near Kushalnagar in Kodagu district on Monday (May 18, 2026), prompting the State government to initiate a safety review and consider stricter regulations for visitors interacting with elephants.
The victim, identified as Joysi, 33, was reportedly watching the elephants being bathed in the Cauvery river when the incident occurred at the camp, one of Kodagu’s major tourist attractions that houses several captive elephants.
According to officials, captive elephants Kanjan and Marthanda got into a tussle during a bathing session at the camp.
The incident triggered panic among visitors at the camp as they ran for safety following the clash.
Pointing out that animal behaviour can remain unpredictable even among trained or captive elephants, the Minister directed officials to examine restrictions on close-contact tourist activities.
A tourist from Tamil Nadu died after being caught in a clash between two captive elephants at the popular Dubare Elephant Camp near Kushalnagar in Kodagu district on Monday (May 18, 2026), prompting the State government to initiate a safety review and consider stricter regulations for visitors interacting with elephants.
The victim, identified as Joysi, 33, was reportedly watching the elephants being bathed in the Cauvery river when the incident occurred at the camp, one of Kodagu’s major tourist attractions that houses several captive elephants.
According to officials, captive elephants Kanjan and Marthanda got into a tussle during a bathing session at the camp. Despite efforts by the mahouts to bring the situation under control, Kanjan allegedly charged at Marthanda, causing the latter to lose balance and collapse.
Joysi, who was standing nearby watching the activity, got trapped beneath the elephant and died.
Video footage of the incident shows the victim’s husband Joel and a child, who were near her at the time of the mishap, escaping unhurt. However, despite attempting to help, he was unable to rescue her as the elephant had fallen on her, while Kanjan continued attacking Marthanda repeatedly, leaving no opportunity for him or others at the spot to come to her aid.
The situation was later brought under control after other mahouts and kavadis rushed to calm the elephants.
The incident triggered panic among visitors at the camp as they ran for safety following the clash. The camp attracts tourists throughout the year.
Khandre condoles death
Meanwhile, Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre expressed grief over the death and described the incident as “shocking”.
“Officials informed me that the woman was watching the elephants being bathed near the river when the accident occurred,” the Minister said while offering condolences to the bereaved family.
In a statement, Mr. Khandre termed the incident an unforeseen tragedy and said a detailed inquiry had been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident and prevent similar incidents in future.
Restrictions on close-contact activities
The tourist’s death has also prompted the government to move towards tighter safety measures at elephant camps and wildlife tourism centres.
Pointing out that animal behaviour can remain unpredictable even among trained or captive elephants, the Minister directed officials to examine restrictions on close-contact tourist activities. These include touching elephants’ trunks, posing for photographs beside them, participating in elephant bathing activities, and feeding them jaggery, bananas or other food items.
The government is also expected to frame stricter protocols requiring tourists to maintain a prescribed distance from elephants and other wildlife at camps and tourist facilities.
