Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre

The Kerala Forest Department set up this centre in 2007 in the forest at Kottoor, a town near Thiruvananthapuram. It takes in elephants that have been hurt, orphaned or mistreated, gives them veterinary care and keeps them for long-term rehabilitation. Conservation groups and local people have supported its growth, and it now houses several rescued animals.

The enclosures are large and built to resemble natural habitat, with water, mud pits and shade where the elephants can roam, feed and mix with others. A veterinary unit with a separate quarantine and treatment area for new arrivals has vets on call around the clock. Visitors follow set paths to viewing platforms and educational displays on elephant conservation, laid out so the animals are watched without being disturbed.