BHUBANESWAR, 28/09(PPT): A unique friendship between elephant calves Kanha and Radhika has become a major attraction at the Kumki Elephant Training Centre at Kumar Khunti. The centre houses nine elephants, with eight undergoing regular training to respond to commands such as “stand”, “sit” and “salute”. Kanha, rescued from Champua in Keonjhar in November 2024 after being found injured and separated from his herd, and Radhika, rescued from Narla in Kalahandi in September 2024 after efforts to reunite her with her mother failed, have remained inseparable since arriving at the centre. The two calves spend much of their time playing, digging the soil and engaging in playful trunk fights. Their affectionate behaviour has also surprised mahouts, with one often helping the other after a fall or sharing food. Range Officer Ashish Kumar said the calves arrived around the same time and have been together for nearly one-and-a-half years. Their close bond has made them popular with both mahouts and visitors.