Ailing Tusker tranquilised after two-day operation in Chandaka forest in Bhubaneswar

An ailing elephant roaming in the Chandaka forest on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar was successfully tranquilised on Friday after a two-day-long operation, following which a team of veterinarians carried out detailed medical treatment.

According to forest officials, the elephant had been unwell for the past five days and was seen limping and moving slowly inside the forest area. Considering its deteriorating condition, teams from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Nandankanan Zoological Park were deployed for medical intervention.

After tranquilisation, a thorough medical examination was conducted. Veterinarians confirmed that the elephant had not been hit by any bullet. However, they found a blood clot formed in its left leg, reportedly caused by an injury sustained due to unknown reasons. To rule out the possibility of gunshot or stabbing injuries, the elephant’s body was scanned using a metal detector, which did not reveal the presence of any metallic object.

Veterinary experts drained the clotted blood from the swollen portion of the left leg and administered saline and antibiotics as part of the treatment protocol. The elephant’s condition is stated to be stable at present.

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Forest officials said the tusker will be kept under close observation for the next seven days to monitor its recovery. Drone surveillance was used for the past two days to track the elephant’s movement and location, which helped the team in carrying out the tranquilisation safely.