Wow, You sure were lucky. Last saw him almost a year ago. How is he ? Does he still have the would scar on the trunk ? Is he able to use his trunk freely ? Planning to spend a week at Masinagudi late May and hope i get to see him.

Readers, who are not aware of Rivaldo, the handsome tusker is a legend in the Masinagudi range, had lost a fair bit of his cheek and a part of his trunk to poachers, when the awesome Mark Davidar (son of the legendary conservationist E.C.Davidar) who used to run the 'Cheetal Walk' (also known as Jungle Trails) took care of him and nursed him to a great extent. Mark's place was a mecca for the wildlife lover, for it was situated in the midst of the thick jungle, adjacent to a wildlife corridor and from his verandah, amazing spectacles played out daily - all within a few hundred meters of the dwelling.

Sadly Mark is no more, but the innumerable visits to his place and fond memories along with Rivaldo, Ronado and Carlos (all elephants) will linger in my minds forever.

Thanks for sharing
Rajan