The enforcement of nationwide lockdown to prevent a community spread of the novel coronavirus has come as a blessing in disguise for the environment. As soon as tourists and residents emptied the streets of Kerala's hill station Munnar, Padayappa, the star elephant, was spotted wandering on roads in style! This is not Padayappa’s first time in the news amid lockdown. Earlier this week too, Padayappa made another appearance and even blocked a police vehicle.

The jumbo is believed to be around 70 years old and can be easily spotted as he has a limp on one of its rear legs. Padayappa has unusually long tusks, dominating height and a regal gait, unlike other elephants. The tusker, known for being non-threatening, frequently visits the residential areas in Munnar and state highways. He was named 'Padayappa' (named after a 1999 hit Rajinikanth film) by the locals and has many admirers in Munnar.

In fact, many locals were upset when he suddenly went missing from Munnar’s forests in 2016, sparking fears that he may have migrated to another forest. However, returned in style for Onam last year.