Kolabira: A team of forest officials and veterinary doctors is keeping a watch round-the-clock over an ailing elephant that has been moving in Kolabira forest area in Jharsuguda district for the last two months.
The sick elephant is now lying in a paddy field at Malatitikra. It got stuck in the mud of the paddy field while crossing its corridor by the side of Chandanimal river after coming out of Mahulamunda forest Saturday. The pachyderm could not get out of the mire despite making several attempts.
Locals who are praying for the animal’s recovery are of the opinion that it has failed in its attempts as it is unable to stand on its feet due to its illness.
According to locals, the pachyderm had been moving slowly in the forest. One of its rear legs is short, due to polio, as doctors later revealed. This deformity and sickness have restricted its movement to a great extent, resulting in less intake of food. As a result, it is getting weaker with every passing day.
The forest officials Sunday engaged available resources to get it on its feet. They kept trying various methods, and finally succeeded in getting the elephant out of the swamp. But the debilitated elephant could not stand.
ACF Saroj Panda, Kolabira range officer Nakula Kisan and veterinary officer Dr Salini Sethy reached the spot. Some tests were conducted and treatment was started accordingly.
Seeing no sign of improvement in its condition, Dr Sethy contacted experts in Bhubaneswar. Later, further tests were done and it was found out that the elephant is afflicted with paralysis.
The ailing animal’s body movements are getting slower and slower. While it is no longer able to lift its head, it is taking some food only when placed near its trunk.
Its health is on the wane, observed the team treating the terminally ill elephant.
PNN