Bhunte: The baby elephant

Bhunte- An art-based initiative to conserve elephants:

Why not foster an emotional bond with innocent animals to help conserve them?

“With those clumsy feet and tiny trunk, he peeps through his mom’s legs- to see if everything is alright when all his aunts and sisters encircle him- to protect against that strange threat”

Welcome to my blog, where I share my cartoons featuring my beloved character Bhunte, a playful baby male elephant calf. Through my art, I aim to evoke emotions in my readers and raise awareness about majestic creatures like Bhunte and the urgency of protecting them from extinction. Conservation is crucial, and awareness is one of its key components. I blend science and art to create a magical bond between animals and readers, personifying them to spark a deep connection. This connection ignites a willingness to protect animals and their habitats against any adversity, at any cost. Even a simple artistic message can inspire hope in the face of complex scientific theories and ecological challenges. So, let’s unite in my mission to safeguard these majestic creatures and their homes.

As a researcher investigating the physiological responses of wild Asian elephants to stress, I had the privilege of observing these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitats. During one of my field excursions in the pristine core of Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, India, I witnessed a playful scene involving a few-month-old elephant calf. The calf was amusingly playing with dry dung, attempting to touch its own ears with its tiny trunk, and interacting with the trunks of the older elephants in its herd. I was entranced by its innocence and charm and christened it Bhunte. The image of Bhunte was etched so deeply in my mind that when I returned to my field base camp in Bandipur, I created a cartoon of the playful calf. Thus, Bhunte came to life in the form of art. I am pleased to share some of my cartoons, which are accompanied by anecdotes and information.

When you come across a playful baby elephant using his trunk and trumpeting, it’s likely that you’ll feel a sense of fondness towards him. This reminiscent feeling could even transport you to the majestic Bhunte, an elephant who resiliently navigates through the wilderness while facing the harsh realities of human interference. It’s only natural to feel a sense of protectiveness towards these majestic creatures and stand up against any injustices they may face.

And in Bhunte’s tone, here I write what you can do to show them your love:

Never take any blessings from temple elephants- they undergo severe psychological, social and physiological trauma! They are not happy blessing you when they themselves are cursed!

Never ride an elephant! It’s fun to you, but not to them!

Respect their space, like you respect yours! Say no to “selfie”, when you see an elephant! 

Always respect their temperament and their space!

Remember, we are sharing their homes. When you see a crossing herd of elephants- never disturb them. Let them cross peacefully. Yelling at them, and chasing them won’t make you a hero! But respecting them will definitely make you one!

What riches you will gather by killing the innocent elephant for their ivories, meat and skin?! If you want to be a part of conserving elephants, stop buying and supporting elephant-ivory-skin-meat products! Your one purchase will encourage the ‘bad’ people to go behind more innocent elephants!

Killing elephants in retaliation? Never! It will only worsen the situation! Provide them space to freely move between their homes! Cooperate with your government/ forest staff to create a better home for elephants! Be compassionate towards elephants. Even elephants mourn when they lose their family members!

The last and the most important one! Always show them your love! Not by offering food- but by offering the space in your heart!

Sanjeeta Sharma Pokharel “SSP”

 Follow my research: Gajah Vigyan

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