The elephant of the Samayapuram Mariamman temple will be handed over to the Forest Department. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department has issued an order to shift the pachyderm immediately. The 19-year old male elephant, Mariappan, has often been turning restive for the past couple of years causing anxiety to temple officials and devotees. Officials have arrived at the decision in consultation with veterinary experts from the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and local veterinary assistants. According to executive officer of the temple B. Bharathi, efforts were being taken to hand over the pachyderm to the Forest Department by the month-end.Ms. Bharathi said precautionary measures had been taken to keep the elephant under control. Its legs had been chained. A philanthropist had come forward to donate two elephants