Tiger Mauls Pregnant Buffalo Of Tribal Temple

From The Hindu 20 July 2005

Toda community in grief over attack on “sacred” animal used in rituals.

Herd was out grazing near the habitation, when the carnivore attacked

Special Correspondent UDHAGAMANDALAM (Ooty)

Two adult female buffaloes of the Toda tribal community at Bikkapathy round near here were mauled by a tiger on Monday night. Since one of the victims was ` the `sacred buffalo' used in rituals at the local Toda temple, the entire village has been plunged in grief.

It was stated that when the herd was out grazing near the habitation, the carnivore had attacked the animals.

Team rushes

Since both had been grievously injured, a team from the Mavanhallah-based India Project for animals and Nature (IPAN) including the former Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry K. Kariabettan went to Bikkapathy round on Tuesday and sewed up the gashes.

The sacred buffalo, which was pregnant, had suffered deep lacerations on its throat and neck.

Stating that necessary medicines had been given, the Managing Trustee of IPAN Nigel Otter said that the condition of the animals would be closely monitored.

Meanwhile, special prayers were being offered by the Todas for the recovery of the animals.