Mysuru, Sept. 22 -- Special health and grooming care is being provided to the Dasara elephants to keep them cool and healthy amid the rising heat. They are being given oil massages. Neem oil and castor oil are applied to their feet and foreheads to help keep their bodies cool.

Their nails are also receiving special attention. Forest officials and handlers inspect the gaps between the elephants' feet, while bent, sharp or overgrown nails are trimmed using special cutters. The nails are then smoothed with a file before being given a shine and painted.

Though the elephants are bathed daily, neem oil is thoroughly applied in the gaps between their feet and hooves to prevent insect infestation and bacterial infections. Castor oil is also app...