An injured elephant calf that was found standing in agricultural land at Vallam village under Courtallam Forest Range on Wednesday has been reunited with its mother.

Following the sighting of the calf, the Forest Department immediately initiated rescue and monitoring operations. The calf was examined by veterinarians and it was found that the calf was injured with severe infection in the abdominal region, trunk, reproductive organ and hind leg, along with swelling in the hind leg. A veterinary team was promptly mobilised and treatment was initiated for the calf, according to a press statement from Tenkasi Forest Department.

The calf was continuously provided with medication for its wounds and nutritional supplements. Simultaneously, the movement of both calf and its mother, which was observed near the reserved forest boundary, was closely monitored by the field staff of the department.

Due to swelling in its hind leg, the calf was unable to move normally in the hilly terrain and, hence, continued treatment and observation was carried out. On Friday night, the mother elephant, along with two other elephants, approached the calf and successfully reunited with the herd. The reunion was confirmed through elephant vocalisation, footprints and field verification.

Field inspections carried out by the forest staff on Saturday confirmed that the elephants had safely moved back into the forest area.

The Forest Department has appealed to members of the public to contact 04633-233550 and 233660 if any wild animals are spotted.

Tenkasi District Forest Officer R. Rajmohan appreciated the local villagers, veterinarians and field staff for the cooperation in the rescue, treatment and reunion efforts.