Mysore/Mysuru: A young wild elephant calf, struggling with a debilitating injury, has succumbed to its wounds at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The male calf, estimated to be around 3 to 4 years old, was found in a distressed state near the Kundakere Range, close to the Honnemarada Thittu area.

The incident came to public attention when a video circulated on social media showcasing the injured calf’s valiant attempts to walk despite an injury on its left forelimb. The calf was accompanied by two adult elephants and a calf. It appeared to be struggling to cross a highway near the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

Upon seeing the video, Bandipur Field Director Dr. P. Ramesh Kumar took immediate action, assuring prompt medical attention for the calf. Efforts were made to treat the calf’s injury, with the hope of nursing it back to health.

The officers and staff tried to feed it with bananas and jowar but the calf did not eat. Despite the best efforts of the authorities and the veterinary team, the calf’s condition continued to deteriorate as it had fallen into a ditch and had suffered grievous injuries.

Veterinary doctor Dr. Mirza Waseem provided thorough medical care and the calf was even released into a secure area within the wilderness. However, its health worsened and was not responding well to the treatment and had gone weak without food. The calf died yesterday afternoon.

A post-mortem was conducted and subsequently, as per regulations, the calf’s carcass was left for scavengers to ensure the ecosystem’s natural balance. Director Dr. Ramesh Kumar, ACF G. Ravindra, RFO D. Srinivas, NGO member R. Raghuram, DRFO B. Manohar, watcher Mahesh and Vishwanath were present.