Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Temple Elephant’s Aggression Suspected to Be Linked to Hormonal Changes
Srinidhi is an elephant who has served at a temple for nearly 18 years.
On Sunday, she became agitated and attacked her mahout, Chandra Sekhar.
He was badly hurt and is receiving intensive care at SVIMS.
Veterinary officials examined Srinidhi and found no other health problems.
They think changes in her body during a natural reproductive phase may have affected her behaviour.
Another mahout quickly chained her legs to help keep people safe.
Officials have asked that Srinidhi stay away from people for a week.
They also advised regular bathing and banana leaves to help keep her cool.
TTD officials have kept Srinidhi away from public contact for a week after she attacked her mahout.
Veterinary officials suspect hormonal changes during the elephant’s reproductive phase, called oestrus, may have contributed to her behaviour.
Doctors found no other health-related problems and described the aggression as appearing temporary.
Mahout Chandra Sekhar suffered serious internal injuries and is in critical condition in the ICU at SVIMS.
Another mahout, Chinnappa Reddy, secured chains around Srinidhi’s legs, helping prevent further danger to people near the temple.
- Who
- Srinidhi, a female temple elephant, and mahout Chandra Sekhar.
- What
- Srinidhi attacked Chandra Sekhar, who suffered serious internal injuries; officials suspect hormonal changes may have contributed.
- When
- The attack occurred on Sunday; officials ordered a week away from public contact.
- Where
- Near Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple in Tirupati.
- Why
- Veterinary officials suspect hormonal changes associated with Srinidhi’s oestrus, though the cause was not confirmed.
- Elephant
- Srinidhi, a female elephant who has taken part in temple services for nearly 18 years.
- Precaution
- Srinidhi is to be kept away from people for a week.
- Suspected factor
- Hormonal changes during oestrus, a natural reproductive phase.
- Medical examination
- Veterinary officials found no other health-related problems.
- Mahout’s condition
- Chandra Sekhar suffered serious internal injuries and is in critical condition in the ICU.
- Treatment location
- Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS).
- Additional precautions
- Officials advised regular bathing and banana leaves to help keep Srinidhi cool.