In a dramatic late-night episode in Keonjhar district, a baby elephant was rescued by its mother and other members of the herd after it accidentally fell into a canal while retreating from a village.
The incident took place on Thursday night at Baradapal village under the Sadar Forest Range. According to local sources, a herd of nearly 25 elephants was moving close to the settlement when villagers spotted them. Concerned about potential crop damage and the possibility of the herd entering the village, residents lit fires to drive the animals away.
Startled by the flames, the elephants turned back in haste. During the sudden retreat, a calf slipped and fell into a nearby canal, creating a tense situation in the village.
The trapped calf remained inside the canal for some time as villagers and forest officials closely monitored the unfolding scene.
Demonstrating remarkable coordination and instinct, the mother elephant assessed the situation and began efforts to rescue her calf. Assisted by other herd members, the elephants used their trunks and collective strength to lift the calf out of the canal.
The rescue effort was witnessed by villagers, who watched anxiously as the herd worked together to bring the young elephant to safety.
Following the successful rescue, the herd calmly moved away from the village without causing further damage, restoring normalcy in the area.
The incident once again underscores the increasing frequency of human-elephant interactions in Odisha, particularly in districts like Keonjhar, where herd movement near habitation and agricultural fields has become common.
