With multiple attempts by the Forest Department to reunite an orphaned elephant calf with different herds failed, the animal aged about three months is currently sheltered in the Wildlife Transit and Treatment Centre at Pethikuttai in Sirumugai range.

District Forest Officer N. Vengatesh Prabhu said the baby elephant is kept in a shelter designed for calves at the centre, under the care of experienced mahouts and assistants from Kozhikamuthi elephant camp of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.

He said efforts to reunite the calf with a friendly herd were halted about three days ago, as no herd was accepting it despite multiple attempts made from April 25, when it was found orphaned on a forest fringe at Kanthavayal near Sirumugai.

“The calf approached some herds in the initial days when staff guided it to them. With a few instances of chasing by adult elephants, the calf appeared reluctant or afraid of approaching herds later. To avoid possible attacks and shock to the calf, it has been kept in the shelter,” Mr. Prabhu said.

The DFO on Wednesday wrote a letter to the Chief Wildlife Warden, detailing the status of the calf and seeking permission to shift it to an elephant camp of the Department for further care.

Mr. Prabhu said three veterinarians examined the calf and all of them have declared it healthy.