**Dramatic Rescue in Kaziranga: Baby Elephant Saved from Floodwaters**
Kaziranga National Park in Assam recently witnessed a heartwarming rescue operation as a one-year-old male elephant calf, separated from its herd, was saved from drowning in floodwaters. This rescue, orchestrated by local villagers, highlights both the severity of the ongoing floods and the dedication of the community and wildlife authorities in protecting vulnerable animals.
The incident took place on July 4th in the Bogori range of Kaziranga National Park. Observing the calf in distress, locals quickly sprang into action. Using a rope, they managed to pull the young elephant out of the perilous waters and immediately alerted the Forest Department and the Mobile Veterinary Service (MVS) team from the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Wildlife Trust of India (IFAW-WTI). The calf was subsequently transferred to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) for urgent medical care.
Rathin Barman, Joint Director of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), emphasized the significance of the rescue: “The elephant calf is now receiving the necessary care and is under round-the-clock observation at the Elephant Nursery. Our team at CWRC is fully equipped to provide the best possible care for animals rescued from such dire situations, aiming to eventually reintroduce them to the wild.”
The ongoing floods in Assam have severely impacted both wildlife and local communities. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been particularly affected. The Assam Forest Department, along with frontline staff, is actively engaged in rescuing and caring for displaced or injured animals to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. The CWRC, operated by the Assam Forest Department in collaboration with WTI and IFAW, plays a crucial role in these efforts.
In the past five days alone, the CWRC team has attended to 73 wildlife cases, which included not just the elephant calf but also otter pups, owls, hog deer, sambar deer, and a two-year-old female rhino calf stranded in floodwaters from the Kohora range of Kaziranga National Park.
Dr. Sonali Ghosh, IFS, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, remarked on the situation: “The calf was in a critical condition and required immediate intervention. The swift and coordinated efforts of the villagers, Forest Department, and veterinary teams ensured its safe rescue and transfer to CWRC for further care.”
This rescue operation underscores the importance of community involvement and quick action in wildlife conservation efforts. As floods continue to threaten the region, the dedication of locals and wildlife authorities remains vital in protecting Assam’s rich biodiversity.
