Wednesday, Mar 05, 2025 08:30 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Mar 04, 2025 16:32 [IST]
SILIGURI, : ‘Hope,’ a young wild elephant, has been battling for survival for the
past 18 days after being rescued and treated by the Forest department in the
forest of Bagdogra under Kurseong Forest division. Encouraging signs of
recovery emerged today when the seven-year-old elephant calf stood up and
consumed food for the first time since its rescue.
The
calf, suffering from a rare disease called Trypanosoma was found on February 14
with a swollen right leg in the protected area of the Sixteenth FAD of the
Bangdubi Military Division in Bagdogra Range. Forest staff located it using
drone visuals and immediately began treatment.
The
elephant has been quarantined in the Bagdogra forest to prevent the disease
from spreading to other wildlife and livestock.
Kurseong
DFO DeveshPandey said, “The calf is infected with Trypanosoma and we suspect it
may also have filariasis. Extreme precautions are in place to prevent further
spread. We have already spent around Ra. 1 lakh on medicine and food to save
the animal. A portable X-ray machine was used on Monday, but as the elephant is
wild, conducting radiography has been challenging. A veterinary team has also
started physiotherapy to help it walk properly.”
According
to the Forest department, similar infections are suspected to have caused the
deaths of five elephants in Baikunthpur, Sukiyakhola and Mahananda Sanctuary.
Another elephant in the Bagdogra forest has shown similar symptoms and is under
observation.
RikjyotiSingha,
founder of Jumbo Troops NGO, informed that a team of four doctors has been
deployed for the treatment. Blood samples have been collected and tested.
LekChailert
from Save Elephant Foundation (Thailand) has provided radiography support,
assisting the Kurseong Forest Division under the expert guidance of Dr. S.
Mandal to ensure advanced care for ‘Hope.’
