Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024

Transfer may be warranted under the following circumstances

Inadequate Welfare

• If the owner is no longer capable of adequately maintaining the elephant's welfare.
• Improved Care:
• If it's determined that the elephant will receive better care in the new circumstances compared to its current situation.

Necessity for Better Upkeep

If the Chief Wildlife Warden deems it necessary for the elephant's better upkeep based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Procedure Within the State

• Health Confirmation: Before a transfer within a state, the elephant's health must be confirmed by a veterinarian.
• Habitat Suitability: The suitability of both the current and prospective habitats must be verified by the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
• Approval Process: Approval or rejection of the transfer is at the discretion of the Chief Wildlife Warden based on assessments of health and habitat suitability.

Procedure Outside the State

• Similar Conditions: Similar conditions apply for transferring elephants outside a state.
• Genetic Registration: Additionally, the elephant's genetic profile must be registered with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) before the transfer.

Requirements for Elephant Transfer

• Accompaniment: The elephant must be accompanied by a mahout and an elephant assistant.
• Health Certification: A health certificate from a veterinary practitioner confirming fitness for transport is mandatory.
• Quarantine: Transport should occur after the completion of any required quarantine period for contagious diseases.
• Feeding and Watering: Proper feeding and watering arrangements must be made during transport to ensure the elephant's well-being.
• Sedation: Tranquillisers/sedatives shall be used to control nervous or temperamental elephants upon prescription by the veterinary practitioner.