Keonjhar: A limping baby elephant from a 29-member herd roaming in the Champua area of Keonjhar district has raised concern among wildlife lovers and locals over the Forest department’s inaction.
The elephant has been limping for some time due to an injury to its front left leg. Though the exact cause of the injury is unknown, it is suspected that the calf hurt itself while running to keep up with the herd.
Forest officials said the herd is moving slowly to accommodate the injured calf, and they have urged villagers not to chase the animals.
However, in attempts to protect their crops and property, villagers are reportedly using various methods to drive the elephants away, causing the herd to scatter and inadvertently injuring more animals.
“The sick calf is gradually falling behind, and if it can’t keep up, the herd will eventually abandon it,” said an elephant expert.
Forest officials maintain that the elephant cannot be treated until it separates from the herd, fearing that intervention could provoke aggression from the other elephants.
“We are in touch with experts, and the elephant will be treated at the appropriate time,” said Keonjhar DFO Dhanraj HD.
Wildlife expert Subhendu Mallick criticised the delay, warning that the baby elephant’s condition is serious. “If not treated soon, the calf may die.
What is the use of a post-mortem after that?” he asked, urging immediate rescue and treatment at Nandankanan Zoo.
PNN