Sullia: Rescued elephant calf dies at Dubare camp

Team Udayavani, May 12, 2023, 8:41 AM IST

Sullia: In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a baby elephant, which had been separated from its herd after falling into a lake in Ajjavara’s Tudiyadka, met an untimely demise a week ago at the Dubare elephant camp. The young calf had been sent to the camp for rehabilitation after being rescued.

On April 13, four wild elephants accidentally fell into a pond at a farm in Tudiyadka of Ajjavara village, located in Sullia taluk. While three of the pachyderms managed to clamber out of the water without much difficulty, the baby elephant found itself unable to climb the steep bank. Prompt action from both concerned citizens and the forest department ensued, as they collaborated to rescue the distressed calf using ropes.

However, due to the prolonged rescue operation, the herd of elephants had moved on by the time the baby elephant was saved. Consequently, the separated calf could not reunite with its family, despite the efforts made by authorities the following day. Following the advice of expert elephant handlers, the officials from the Dubare elephant camp intervened and decided to transfer the orphaned elephant to their facility on April 16.

Initially, the rescued calf reportedly appeared to adapt well to its new surroundings at the Dubare elephant camp. It displayed signs of vigor, actively consuming milk and engaging in playful interactions with other baby elephants in the camp.

Tragically, a week ago, the baby elephant suddenly breathed its last. The precise reason behind the untimely passing of the young calf remains unknown.