GUWAHATI: A four-to-six-week-old elephant calf was rescued after getting trapped in a muddy trench at Seconee Tea Estate near Kaziranga, Minister for Environment and Forest Jayanta Mallabruah posted on X on Friday, September 11.
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The rescue was conducted on September 9.
According to the Forest Department, the calf had reportedly become stranded in the trench after its herd was unable to pull it out. Alert tea garden workers and villagers informed wildlife authorities, following which a coordinated rescue operation was launched.
A team from the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC), led by wildlife veterinarian Bhaskar Choudhury, reached the site and safely lifted the calf from the trench.
The calf was found severely dehydrated and exhausted following the ordeal. It was taken to the nearest beat office, where veterinary personnel provided emergency treatment and fluids.
Wildlife experts and forest authorities then monitored the situation and waited for the herd to return, with the aim of reuniting the calf with its family.
However, when the herd did not return, the calf was shifted to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation for specialised rehabilitation and round-the-clock care. It has since joined other rescued elephants receiving treatment and rehabilitation at the centre.
The rescue also highlighted the role of local communities in wildlife protection. The timely response from tea garden workers and villagers, followed by the intervention of forest authorities and wildlife specialists, helped ensure that the distressed calf received immediate assistance.