Main image via YouTube + The News Minute
They say that elephants never forget and there have been many instances in which an elephant would still recognise a friend even if years have passed.
One elephant never forgot his favourite human friend, and it walked 25km just to bid a final goodbye to him.
via GIPHY
When Damodaran Nair knew that his days were numbered, he only had one wish – to see his favourite elephant friend Pallatu Brahmadathan, one last time.
Damodaran from Kerala’s Kottayam district in India, was an active mahout and trainer for 60 years. For those unfamiliar, a mahout is someone who works with, rides and tends to elephants.
For the last 25 years however, the man was Pallattu’s mahout, and the two shared a special bond from the moment they first met when Damodaran’s sons bought the elephant from its first owner.
According to Rajesh – one of the sons, Pallatu was Damodaran’s favourite elephant and he even treated it like its own child.
Image via YouTube
Damodaran – who is also known as Omanachettan, sadly passed away from cancer but before he died, he expressed that he would like to see Pallatu but unfortunately, the pair of friends would not see each other alive again.
“It was Omanachettan’s last wish to see his favourite elephant and we fulfilled that today, at the funeral,” Rajesh shared. “Until las week, Omanachettan was active as Bradmadathan’s mahout. They developed a deep relationship over the past many years. He considered Brahmadathan as his son.”
In the week before his death, Damodaran developed health issues and was laid up in bed. On 3rd June, his condition worsened and he asked to see his elephant once again. However, the mahout passed away within a few minutes.
“That’s when we decided to fulfill his last wish,” Rajesh said. “We then brought the elephant from my house in Melampara to Lakkattoor (both in Kottayam), which is 25 kilometers away from each other.”
With help from its owner, the elephant made the incredible 25km journey to say goodbye to his dear friend one last time.
A video that has since gone viral shows Pallattu arriving at the funeral house to pay its last respect to Damodaran.
While the people who gathered around watched on tearfully, the elephant took a step back, curled its trunk multiple times to honour the man and was then walked out of the funeral.
“In my opinion, it was the best honour for Omanachettan,” Rajest shaid. “We considered Omanachettan as our family member. Brahmadathan too, is our family member. It was a special relationship between the elephant and mahout. He was known for his skill to train elephants.”
We’re heartbroken to see the love between the man and his elephant that is so strong, even in death.
Luckily, Damodaran was able to get his last wish and Pallatu was able to say goodbye to his dear friend.
Rest in peace Damodaran.
Info via The News Minute