Elephant calf rescued at Pandakholo jungle

Berhampur: Forest officials on Saturday rescued an elephant calf at Pandakholo jungle under Sorada forest range in Ganjam district, about 80-km from here.

The two-year old male calf was unable to walk due to some problems on his legs and was therefore separated from the herd.

Veterinary surgeons along with forest officials rushed to the spot and started his treatment.

We are trying to save the elephant calf. All essential treatments are being made to save it," divisional forest officer, Ghumusar South B K Acharya said.

He however ruled out the possibility of the calf suffering from sun stroke due to scorching heat in the area.

Near the spot, there is a water source. So we can t say that the animal suffered from sun-stroke. The veterinary surgeons are treating the animal he said.

Around 24 elephants, divided in different herds, are roaming in the area. The rescued calf might be a member of eight-member herd, said Sorada forest range officer PK Sahu.

The herd was camping in the nearby area from where the elephant calf was rescued, he said.

During a routine patrol in the area, the elephant calf was detected by the forest staffs early in the morning. After getting information, other forest personnel along with veterinary doctors rushed to the spot immediately, the DFO said.