Lost in Urban Maze: Elephant's heartbreaking quest for home amidst Tamil Nadu's concrete Jungle
In our relentless pursuit of development and progress, humanity has often neglected the impact of our actions on the natural world. One stark example of this is the encroachment upon the habitats of magnificent creatures like elephants.
These majestic beings, who once roamed freely across vast expanses of land, now find themselves labelled as "rogue" when they attempt to trace their ancestral paths.
Arikomban in the streets…
— Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) May 28, 2023
We have failed this magnificent creature. It was translocated. But intelligent as they are, Elephants have the tendency to return to their home. It’s simply following its inner urge. Already travelled 40plus kms in last 4 days towards it home. pic.twitter.com/Ym9uI2iYkn
In the viral tweet by Susanta Nanda, a heart-wrenching image captures an elephant roaming amidst a sea of concrete structures that symbolize human encroachment. The image epitomizes the tragic state of affairs that elephants, and many other animals, face as we humans continue to dominate and reshape the natural landscape.
What pains is the hype in media terming it ‘Rogue’. It’s neither savage, nor destructive. It’s fighting it’s battle for survival. And sadly termed rogue now by many.
— Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) May 28, 2023
Follow his story to know as to why development & conservation can’t happen at the same time in the same place.
The "Rogue" Label
When elephants, driven by instinct, attempt to reclaim their ancestral paths, they are often met with hostility and fear. Sometimes they are labelled as "rogue" or "problematic," further vilifying these gentle creatures who are simply trying to survive in a changing world.
This labelling perpetuates an unjust narrative, shifting blame onto the very victims of our own actions.
First published: 30 May 2023, 12:37 IST