Former howdah elephant Balarama no more

MYSURU: Balarama  (67),  the former howrah elephant of the games Mysuru Dasara, who carried golden Ambari 14 times, died on Sunday due to old age.

Balarama, who was being taken care of at the Bhimanakatte elephant camp under the Hunsur range of the Nagarahole park, had sores in the mouth. Due to this, the elephant could not have food or water properly and had become weak. The elephant was being treated by a veterinarian at the camp, but died without responding to the treatment.

Balarama had gained fame by carrying the golden ambari 14 times in the world famous Mysore Dasara. He was a very gentle elephant and people had a special love for the elephant.