Elephant Ramu's Bones Dug Up for Display in Odisha

The skeleton of Ramu the elephant, who died last year, is being prepared for display. This is to educate people about elephant conservation.
By Newsroom | Wildlife, Odisha |

Bhubaneswar: The skeletal remains of "Ramu," an elephant known as the "gentle giant" of the Chandaka forest, have been exhumed by the Odisha Forest Department for preservation and public display. The operation, involving a 24-member team of officials, forensic experts, and wildlife conservationists, took place on December 13, 2025, in the Bharatpur forest area near the capital city. The remains will be processed and reassembled at the Godibari Nature Reserve, Ramu's favoured habitat, to serve as an educational tool and a symbol of conservation efforts.

Educational Ambitions and Conservation Calls

Ramu, who died last year at approximately 40 years of age due to electrocution, is being commemorated through this preservation initiative. The department intends to use the reconstructed skeleton to educate students, wildlife enthusiasts, and tourists about the challenges elephants face, particularly those arising from human activities, and to underscore the necessity of effective wildlife conservation. This project is also framed as a means to raise awareness about human-elephant conflicts within the region.

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A Celebrated Figure in Chandaka Forest

The elephant was reportedly cherished by the local community, with villagers even organizing memorial gatherings after his death. Ramu was known for his unusually thick, metre-long tusks and his calm demeanour, despite occasional instances of crop-raiding. He was considered an "iconic" figure within the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. This effort draws parallels to the preservation of another elephant, "Shankar," whose skeleton is already on display elsewhere in Odisha.

The Excavation and Future Display

The recovery process, initiated on December 13, 2025, involved careful excavation techniques to prevent damage to the bones. The skeleton will undergo cleaning and chemical treatment before reassembly. While some reports mention a potential display at Nandankanan zoo, the prevailing plan appears to be its exhibition at the Godibari Prakriti Nivas. The intention is to create a lasting educational exhibit that highlights the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were Ramu the elephant's bones dug up in the Bharatpur forest on December 13, 2025?
Ramu the elephant's skeletal remains were exhumed by the Odisha Forest Department for preservation and public display. This is to educate people about elephant conservation and human-wildlife conflict.
Q: Where will Ramu the elephant's skeleton be displayed?
The plan is to reassemble and display Ramu's skeleton at the Godibari Nature Reserve, his favourite habitat. This will serve as an educational tool for students and visitors.
Q: How old was Ramu the elephant when he died and why?
Ramu was about 40 years old when he died last year from electrocution. He was known as the 'gentle giant' of the Chandaka forest and was cherished by the local community.
Q: What is the main goal of displaying Ramu the elephant's skeleton?
The main goal is to educate the public about the challenges elephants face, especially from human activities, and to stress the importance of wildlife conservation. It also aims to raise awareness about human-elephant conflicts in the region.