Efforts continue to reunite elephant calf with herd in Sirumugai forests near Coimbatore
The Forest Department on Friday continued efforts to trace the herd of an elephant calf that was found separated in Sirumugai forest range in Coimbatore district a few days ago.
The male calf is under the care of Forest Veterinary Officer A. Sukumar and his team since Monday, while the front line staff of the Department from Sirumugai and nearby forest ranges are struggling to locate its herd.
The calf aged around 10 months was found in a weak condition in Koothamandi forests of Sirumugai range on Monday, May 26. Dr. Sukumar revived its health by administering fluids and supplements.
The veterinarian said that the calf started feeding on grass and fruits provided by the staff after its condition improved. It also drank water.
'Asian elephant calves normally rely on mother's milk till the age of 1.5, during which they slowly start feeding on grasses. This calf is believed to have been separated from the herd for more than a week ago as it was found in a very weak state due to protein deficiency,' Dr. Sukumar said.
The frontline staff also patrolled Koothamandi and surrounding forest areas suspecting that the calf's mother could have fallen ill or died. However, they could not locate any cow elephant.
'The calf's condition improved and the staff made multiple attempts to locate its herd from Monday. Drone was also used to search for the herd. Unfortunately, the staff could not locate any herd as the elephants might have moved deep inside the forests following incessant rain. Efforts to reunite will be continued on Saturday,' said District Forest Officer N. Jayaraj.
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