From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 3: An abandoned wild, male elephant calf rescued by the Forest Department at Mutatthi on July 30 has been handed over to the Bannerghatta Biological Park received from Halagur division, Kaveri Wildlife Sanctuary.

For the last two days, the forest department had tried to introduce the calf to various elephant herds found within the range and had no success as the herd rejected the calf multiple times.

The calf is said to be around 3 to 4 months old and is currently being hand-fed by the mahouts. Calves without mother's milk for minimum of 6 months to 1 year have low disease resistance and hence, the survival rate of such calves is also low.

Hence, such abandoned/orphaned elephant calves are prone to viral infections and condition is critical and hence, prognosis is guarded. To provide the best condition for the calf it is under intensive care of the veterinarians and mahouts of Bannerghatta Biological Park.

Blood samples have been taken and the parameters checked on the day of calf's arrival. Another blood sample has been sent to IAH & VB, Hebbal to check for any viral infections.

Bannerghatta Biological Park has taken a huge responsibility to give best care to the orphaned calf and in contributing and conserving this endangered pachyderm.