This is the heartbreaking moment an elephant paid its final respects to its trainer with a salute of its trunk after walking 15 miles to see his body for the last time in India.
The elephant had been under the care of Omanchetan since 1996, last appearing together at a festival in April.
An elephant paid its final respects to its trainer with a salute of its trunk after walking 15 miles to see his body for the last time in India
Kunnakkad Damodaran Nair, known as Omanchetan, 74, died from cancer on Thursday after caring for elephants for six decades in Kottayam, Kerala
One of his elephants, Pallata Brahmadathan, walked two hours to join friends and relatives who had gathered outside Omanchetan’s house for a ceremony
Footage shows the elephant reaching out its trunk towards Omanchetan’s body before offering a salute
The elephant’s new handler Rajesh struggled to fight back tears during the emotional moment
The elephant had been under the care of Omanchetan since 1996, last appearing together at a festival in April
Many at the service became very emotional as they saw the elephant pay its respect to its trainer
There were many gathered as Omanchetan’s body was displayed publicly outside his home