We are honored to introduce the Dr. Vaidyanathan Krishnamurthy Memorial Award, celebrating exemplary contributions to the field of “Elephant Health Management.”
Dr. Vaidyanathan Krishnamurthy (1929–2002), popularly known as Dr. K, the “Elephant Man” or “Elephant Doctor” (யானை டாக்டர்), was an iconic Indian veterinarian, conservationist, and elephant expert. Over a distinguished career, he governed the renowned Mudumalai and Theppakadu elephant camps, revolutionizing elephant care and conservation in India.
A graduate of Madras Veterinary College (1951) and recipient of a P.G. Diploma in Animal Husbandry from IVRI (1966), Dr. Krishnamurthy was a pioneer in the establishment of Elephant Rejuvenation Camps, a system that has become a cornerstone of captive elephant welfare. His expertise extended to capturing 160 wild elephants, rearing 70 elephant calves in captivity, and training professionals in elephant conservation and management.
As a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Asian Elephant Specialist Group, Dr. Krishnamurthy was a global authority on elephant conservation. His extensive writings on conservation and elephant physiology continue to inspire and guide efforts in this critical field. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, he was honored with the Venu Menon Life-Time Achievement Award in 2001 Shri R. Venkataraman, Former President of India.
This award serves as a tribute to Dr. Krishnamurthy’s enduring legacy and aims to recognize outstanding achievements in elephant health and conservation.