Forest officials rescue injured wild elephant in Kerala

At a time when people are taking to social media to mourn the tragic death of the pregnant elephant, Forest officials in Kerala rescued a severely injured wild elephant near Silent Valley National Park. The elephant was being treated by the Forest Department veterinarians and is said to be out of danger now.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Forest Department officers rescued a severely injured wild elephant which was found near Silent Valley National Park’s Nilambur South division.

K Raju, Kerala Minister of Forests and Wildlife Protection posted about the rescue of the severely injured wild elephant by the forest officials, on his official Facebook page, on Thursday.

This comes when the entire nation has been taking to the social media to discuss the tragic death of a pregnant wild elephant from Silent Valley National Park Mannarkad Division, in Velliyar River near Thiruvizhamkunnu, Palakkad, after it accidentally chomped on a cracker-stuffed pineapple - a snare meant to drive away wild boars.

The rescued wild elephant has a deep wound in its lower abdomen, and another severe injury and inflammation on its tongue. Owing to the wounds and swelling in its mouth, the pachyderm has not been able to eat or drink water.

The elephant, which seemed to be too weak and dehydrated without being able to take feeds, was treated by Forest Department veterinarians after giving it a tranquillizer shot to facilitate rescue and treatment. The elephant has started responding to the medicines and is out of danger now.

Once the wounds heal and the elephant is able to feed on itself, it would be let free in the wilds, said the Forest Minister on his Facebook post. As testified by the vets, the elephant’s injuries are not inflicted by human beings but owing to a fight with other elephants, the Minister clarifies in the post, leaving no room for further rumours.