Elephant calf stuck in canal, rescued
An elephant calf, estimated to be around two months old, fell into a canal near Panchadhara hill under the Athmallik forest range in Angul district. Locals, who noticed the calf in distress, immediately alerted the Forest Department on Saturday.
A joint team of Forest and Animal Husbandry officials rushed to the spot and successfully rescued the young elephant.
The calf, which had sustained injuries near the back of its head and shoulders, was provided medical treatment. Following care, it was released into the nearby forest, where officials kept it under close observation. Responding to the calf’s calls, the mother elephant approached the area but did not reunite with it, retreating back into the forest instead.
Authorities are now concerned as the rescued calf has reportedly refused to consume food, adding to the challenges of its rehabilitation. Forest officials continue to monitor its condition.
In a separate incident, another baby elephant fell into the Rengali canal near Haladiabahal under the Dhenkanal Sadar Range. The calf struggled for several hours against the strong current before finally managing to climb out on its own. It was later seen running towards the nearby forest after freeing itself from the canal.