A baby elephant was found roaming in Kerala’s Chinnakanal village early this week. In a video captured on cell phone, the 5-month-old calf which separated from its herd on Tuesday is seen running around drawing a curious crowd of onlookers. The calf, said to be just 5 months old, initially seemed to be frightened of the unfamiliar surroundings.
The forest department rescued the elephant and tried to reunite the calf with its family unsuccessfully. The baby elephant was put in a temporary cage and given liquid food. On Wednesday, the calf fled to the forest, twice, but returned to the cage later. Dr Abdul Fathah, a veterinary doctor from Periyar Tiger Reserve, reached the spot and checked the calf to ensure it was healthy, Times of India reported
Officials have reportedly shifted the jumbo to Konni Training centre raising serious concern from environmentalists. Elephant training centres are infamous for their harsh treatment where elephants are forced into a life of misery. The tuskers are either tethered or caged with little movement and undergo rigorous training so that they may be used as captive elephants and used in temples and parades.
