Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 4
A six-day old male elephant calf was rescued on Friday, November 1 at Intangki National Park by the forest guards stationed there. It was informed that the villagers living around the area saw the calf struggling in a swamp and reported the matter to the forest guards and was rescued immediately.
The rescue team of Intangki National Park christened the calf as ‘Tia’, which means ‘Luck’ in Ao Naga language. The spot where the calf was rescued is believed to be elephant herd’s path.
The next day the Forest Department officials summoned a veterinary doctor, Dr Wati to examine the calf and administer first aid. The doctor interacting with The Morung Express said that the calf was limping, feverish and had bruises on his body. Besides the bruises and fever, he said the calf is healthy and weighs around 220 pounds.
The doctor injected some saline infusions drip and applied ointment on the bruises.
He also said looking at the bruises on the infant’s body it is assumed that the mother elephant tried to rescue her baby, adding that elephants have sharp sense of smell and may be after sensing human scent the mother might have abandoned her little one.
Considering the urgency of the situation, Dr Wati consulted an elephant expert Dr Kaushal Sharma, who directed him to give fluid therapy, regain his health and try to take the calf back to his mother.
Another alternative suggested by the expert was to transport Tia to Kazaringa Rescue Centre in Assam where all the facilities for infant elephants are available. To which Dr Wati said he agrees with the expert’s suggestion, stating that Kazaringa would be a better option for ‘Tia’ since in Nagaland there is not enough facilities.
Concerning suckling period of elephants, he said after 6 months baby elephants start eating some plants, but still need milk from their mother, adding that they continue suckling for up to a maximum of 5 years. At the moment ‘Tia’ needs 15 to 20 litres of milk (infant formula) per day.
Querying more on ‘Tia’, The Morung Express got in touch with the officer in charge of Intangki National Park Ranger Ramridinbo Kaurinta. The Ranger said the search for the mother elephant is still on and they are expecting the herd to take back their little one. He also said the calf’s health is in good condition and the forest guards stationed at the park are babysitting the calf.
When asked whether they will be sending away the calf to Kazaringa, he said they are still looking into the matter. However, he also said that it won’t be a problem even if the calf stays back because the ‘critical condition’ is just for two to three months and after that it won’t be much of a hassle.
Another Good news is that Dr Wati’s clinic - Animal Health Centre will be organizing a milk donation drive for the baby elephant until rehabilitated. Interested people can contact 9862092268.
