Fishermen Rescue Newborn Elephant Calf and Reunite It With Its Mother

A group of fishermen and forest officials in India have rescued a four-day-old elephant calf after it was swept away by strong currents in the Teesta River, in a dramatic operation that ended with the young animal being reunited with its mother.

The rescue took place near the Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage in West Bengal on September 21. Fisherman Bablu Das received an urgent call from a barrage operator who had spotted the tiny elephant being carried downstream by the fast-moving river.

The calf had apparently become separated from its herd while crossing the river. The strong current carried it downstream, leaving it struggling in the water.

Das and four other local fishermen moved into the river to rescue the animal. They were later joined by personnel from the Baikunthapur Forest Division. The team managed to get the calf onto a boat and transport it to safety.

But rescuing the calf was only the first part of the operation. The team still had to find a way to reunite it with its herd.

The rescuers returned the calf to an area near the place where it had been separated. They placed it on a dry section of the riverbank and waited for it to call out.

The strategy worked.

The young elephant began calling, and its mother responded from nearby. She eventually emerged from the tall grass and approached the calf, allowing the two to reunite.

Forest officials described the rescue and reunion as a successful example of cooperation between local fishermen and wildlife authorities.

The fishermen involved were also praised for their quick response and knowledge of the river. Local reports said they have previously helped rescue other animals in the area.

The entire rescue was captured on video and attracted attention after footage of the operation was shared online.

For the rescuers, the goal was simple: save the newborn elephant and give it a chance to return to its mother.

Sources:
The Hindu – Elephant calf swept away in Teesta rescued by fishermen, reunited with mother
Hindustan Times – Drowning baby elephant rescued from Teesta River