SILIGURI, :A female elephant calf that had
been struggling for life for the past 22 days succumbed to a severe protozoa
infection on Monday morning at a forest village in Bagdogra.
The calf had been under
treatment by a joint team of Indian and Thai veterinary experts but ultimately
could not survive despite intensive medical care.
The seven-year-old calf was
first discovered injured near 16 Field Ammunition Depot in Bagdogra forest by
locals. Forest officials from the Bagdogra forest range with the help of
drones located and rescued the animal and initiated immediate treatment. Four
days later, a veterinary team led by Dr. Tan, comprising four medical experts,
was brought in with assistance from Save Elephant Foundation (SEF), India.
Five days ago, the calf was
moved to a forest village for better care, and on Saturday, an attempt was made
to fit it with an artificial limb following a medical board meeting.
“With profound sadness, we
share the heart-breaking news of the demise of our beloved rescued elephant
calf this morning. Despite 22 days of intensive medication and care, we lost
this precious life to a severe protozoa infection. Our dedicated veterinary
doctors and forest staff worked tirelessly, with unprecedented support from
NGOs like SEF, SNAP and NWA. SEF even arranged for expert veterinary doctors
from Thailand to assist in the treatment, while SNAP Foundation provided
critical medicines. The Army also played a crucial role, offering essential
logistical support throughout the rescue operation,” said Devesh Pandey, DFO of
Kurseong division.
He added that while the loss is
painful, the experience has provided invaluable lessons in elephant rescue and
rehabilitation.
