Watch: How an Assam forest official's quick response saved a drowning elephant calf
A viral video from Assam shows the heartwarming rescue of a six-week-old elephant calf from the flooded Aie River, highlighting the swift and compassionate actions of forest officials.
This year, as in many previous ones, heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Assam. Flooded roads and disrupted travel and electricity are common struggles for the people. However, often overlooked are the animals whose habitats are inundated by the rising waters. Recently, a baby elephant found itself trapped in such a predicament, highlighting the dire consequences for wildlife amidst the deluge.
Representative image/ Unsplash
A recent viral video from Assam has captured the heartwarming rescue of an elephant calf from a flooded river.
The six-week-old elephant had got separated from its mother while attempting to cross the fast-flowing Aie River near Chirang, as reported by Viral Press.
Also read: Meet baby elephant Bani: Once hit by a train and paralysed, now thriving & joyful¡ªWatch
This poignant incident underscores the often-overlooked impact of Assam's annual monsoon floods on wildlife.
A video, shared by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on X, showcases the dramatic rescue.
In the video, the young elephant can be seen struggling to keep its trunk above the water, battling against the river's strong current as it approached the bank.
An alert forest official spotted the distressed animal and immediately sprang into action, tying a rope around the calf. With the help of other officials, they managed to pull the elephant to safety.
Credit: Instagram
"Recently, our forest officials rescued a baby elephant who lost her way along the Aie River in Chirang. She is currently being treated at Manas National Park as we try to establish contact with her mother," CM Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote in the post.
Watch the recue here:
Monsoons can be rough even on our gentle giants ?
¡ª Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 2, 2024
Recently, our forest officials rescued a baby elephant who lost her way along the Aie River in Chirang. She is currently being treated at Manas National Park as we try and establish contact with her mother ?#TeamAssam pic.twitter.com/lttTws8v4N
The rescue operation has garnered widespread praise online, with many applauding the swift and compassionate efforts of the forest officials.
Once on solid ground, the frightened calf was wrapped in a warm rug at a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Unfortunately, efforts to reunite the calf with its herd have been unsuccessful, as experts have been unable to locate its mother.
The Assam Forest Department confirmed that the calf is now under veterinary care and will remain at Manas National Park for further rehabilitation before being released back into the wild.
The video has resonated deeply with netizens, who have praised the forest officials for their dedication and bravery.
One Instagram user commented, "My salute to the forest official team. Also happy to know the head of Assam state cares for other beings too!" Another added, "Excellent rescue... Loved it."
This incident highlights the significant challenges faced by animals during Assam's monsoon season while also reminding us of the profound compassion that emerges in times of crisis.
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