Hanagodu: A month-old elephant calf got separated from its mother and the herd on the fringes of the Nagarahole National Park this morning. The wailing calf that had lost its way was spotted by villagers at Bharathavaadi. 

The calf was spotted at 6 am and on seeing humans, the calf rushed towards them and the villagers patted the baby elephant. The calf was seen extending its tiny trunk to sense the smell of humans and was seen running towards them. 

Villagers informed the Forest Department staff who were on patrol. The baby calf was the centre of attraction in the village with people shooting videos and clicking photos. 

Forest officials conducted a thorough medical check-up and fed the baby before leaving it near Mantalli Kere under Veeranahosahalli Range. 

Forest officials said that they have formed teams to trace the herd. “Efforts are on to trace the calf’s mother. Since it is a month-old calf, it may not survive without its mother,” they added.