COIMBATORE: Forest department personnel in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) rescued an elephant calf that was abandoned by its mother near Pannimedu estate area on Friday morning.
Manambolly forest range officer A Manikandan and team received information around 8.39am that an elephant calf was found separated from its mother at least three km away from Pannimedu estate. Frontline staff and human-wildlife conflict prevention guards rushed to the spot and rescued the calf.
The calf was loaded onto a vehicle and taken safely to the nearby reserve forest area.
The department used a camera-filled drone and tracked the herd of elephants that abandoned the calf. The frontline staff made the calf take a bath in a river and smeared mud on its body to avoid the human scent.
The calf was reunited with its mother and herd around 1.30pm in a shola forest adjacent to the Pannimedu estate. The herd accepted the calf.
This was a heartwarming rescue operation. We are glad to have successfully reunited the calf with its mother and herd, said A Manikandan, the forest range officer.
The forest department’s prompt response and use of innovative techniques ensured the safe rescue and reunion of the elephant calf. The use of a camera-filled drone helped track the herd of elephants, facilitating their reunion with the abandoned calf.
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting wildlife in our forests. This rescue operation is a testament to our dedication to preserving the natural habitat and ensuring the well-being of these majestic animals, stated Rajesh Kumar, the principal chief conservator of forests.
The reuniting of the calf with its mother and herd not only signifies a successful operation but also showcases the importance of timely interventions to address human-wildlife conflicts.
The incident demonstrates the dedication and compassion of forest department personnel who tirelessly work to protect and conserve the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in distress deserve recognition and support.
With increasing instances of wildlife-human conflicts, it becomes imperative to remain vigilant and prioritize the interests of both wildlife and local communities. The forest department’s swift action in rescuing and reuniting the stranded elephant calf highlights the need for effective conservation strategies and wildlife management in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
Such heartwarming incidents also serve as a reminder of the incredible bond between animals and their young, touching the hearts of people worldwide. As we celebrate this successful reunion, it is crucial to continue raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the role each individual can play in protecting our natural heritage.
The forest department’s tireless efforts, combined with the support and cooperation of local communities, will ensure a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and humans in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and beyond. Let us join hands in preserving and nurturing our shared environment, one rescue operation at a time.
