Keonjhar: An elephant calf, around 1.5 years old, died of injuries early on Friday in Chamakpur area of Joda section in the district. The elephant calf was first spotted by forest officials on April 7, moving slowly with a noticeable limp in its hind legs.
Keonjhar divisional forest officer (DFO) Dhanraj HD said, “Prima facie evidence suggests the death was caused by an accidental fall and possible male aggression, resulting in bone fracture and septicemia. It appears to be a case of chronic infection.”
On April 10, the calf’s condition deteriorated significantly. Though mobile in the morning, it collapsed due to weakness around 11 am. While the mother elephant and herd watched from a distance, a wildlife treatment team approached the calf and discovered severe swelling in both hind legs, suggesting broken bones.
“The team drained a substantial amount of pus from the swollen areas,” the DFO explained. “Suspecting septicemia, we administered ceftriaxone in consultation with experts from the Centre for Wildlife Health, Bhubaneswar, and Wildlife Institutions of India. We coordinated with the Joint Task Force of PCCF wildlife office throughout the treatment,” Dhanraj added.
Examination revealed damage to the tarsal joints and broken bones, likely from a fall. A depression mark was observed near the tail, and the left side of the neck showed a tusk-like injury, indicating possible aggression from a male elephant.
Following a post-mortem examination, the calf was buried near the site where it died.