Watch: Baby Elephant Shunned By Herd In Ganjam

Berhampur: A bizarre scene unfolded near Sunapur on the outskirts of Berhampur after an elephant calf that went astray from its mother was intriguingly deserted by the herd.

The baby elephant was part of the herd which sneaked into the locality and subsequently entered Tampara lake causing extensive damage to prawn enclosures and fishing boats. Meanwhile, the calf got stuck in marshy lake pond and suffered injuries.

Some villagers tried to ward off the calf towards the herd after rescuing it, however, their efforts turned futile as the herd rejected the calf.

"After noticing the calf who suffered injuries after entering the lake, some fishermen and youths of Sunapur village rescued it and tried to drop it near the mother elephant. But the herd did not accept it," said a local resident.

https://youtu.be/hx1p83VLHf0

Meanwhile, forest department personnel, police and locals are trying to drive away the herd of 16 elephants which is now roaming near Sunapur on the outskirts of Berhampur.

The herd entered the nearby Tampara lake and destroyed prawn gherries and several fishing boats. After continuous efforts by the locals, the elephants moved out of the lake and roamed around the residential areas triggering panic among the locals.

Berhampur DFO Amlan Nayak said, "We are hopeful that the elephant herd will begin journey towards forest by this evening. If needed, we will patrol the area round the clock."

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)