Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Nov: In a heartening outcome for wildlife conservation, an approximately eight to nine-year-old wild elephant found trapped in a pit in Uttarakhand’s Peepal Padao forest range was successfully rescued, treated and reunited with its herd, following a coordinated intervention by the Forest Department and Wildlife SOS.
Found on the night of 25 October, the elephant was rescued from a pit approximately one metre deep. Despite being brought out, the young elephant remained unable to stand independently. The Forest Department’s veterinary team-initiated treatment and closely monitored the elephant’s condition before involving Wildlife SOS specialists to provide additional expertise and support.
A Wildlife SOS team travelled to the site to join the Forest Department’s veterinarians in assessing the elephant’s condition and determining the next course of treatment. The examination revealed swelling in the upper back region. X-rays indicated a suspected soft-tissue injury. Although the animal could move all four limbs, it remained unable to support its body weight on its forelimbs and stand independently.
Working alongside the Forest Department’s veterinary team, Wildlife SOS specialists provided supportive care, including fluid administration for rehydration, laser therapy, pain management and wound dressing. With the assistance of a JCB and sling, the teams facilitated an assisted lifting attempt, following which the elephant successfully stood up independently. In the subsequent assessment, swelling and lameness were observed in the right forelimb. The elephant was offered green fodder and sugarcane, and consumed approximately 8–10 kg of green fodder and 15–20 litres of water. The veterinary team initiated symptomatic treatment and continued to monitor his condition. No injections or topical medications were administered after he stood up.
The Uttarakhand Forest Department has demonstrated a proactive approach to wildlife care by bringing in specialised expertise and facilitating collaboration between veterinary teams to address the young elephant’s complex medical needs. The department’s initiative reflects the importance of recognising when additional expertise can strengthen ongoing treatment and improve the care available to injured wildlife.
Following the treatment and monitoring, the elephant was successfully reunited with his herd and returned to the wild. His recovery from being unable to stand independently to standing on his own, followed by his reunion with the herd, marks a heartening outcome of the collaborative intervention.
Umesh Chandra Tiwari, DFO, Uttarakhand Forest Department, said, “When the young elephant was rescued from the pit, its inability to stand independently was a major concern for our team. Our veterinarians worked continuously to provide the necessary care, and bringing in Wildlife SOS specialists helped strengthen our treatment efforts. Seeing the elephant regain its ability to stand and eventually reunite with its herd is an extremely encouraging outcome. We appreciate the support and expertise extended by Wildlife SOS, and this experience reinforces the importance of collaboration in responding to complex wildlife emergencies.”
Baiju Raj MV, Director, Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said, “It was a challenging situation, particularly given the elephant’s inability to stand despite being safely rescued from the pit. The Wildlife SOS team supported the Uttarakhand Forest Department’s veterinarians, providing treatment and exploring ways to help the animal regain its mobility. The moment the elephant stood independently was immensely encouraging.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-Founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, said, “Every wildlife rescue carries its own challenges, but few outcomes are as heartening as seeing an animal return to the wild where it belongs. This young elephant’s journey, from being trapped in a pit and unable to stand to regaining its strength and reuniting with its herd, is a positive example of what coordinated efforts and compassion can achieve.”
Wildlife SOS works with Forest Departments and other authorities on wildlife rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and conservation initiatives.
