(IN): Search on to trap sick jumbo

January 23, 2009

Search on to trap sick jumbo

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Siliguri, Jan. 22: The sighting of an injured and starving elephant in the

jungles of Bengdubi has prompted foresters to pitch tent in the area and

launch a search for the animal so that it can be treated.

According to sources, the lone male animal was spotted limping by guards in

the forests near Bagdogra and close to defence installations a couple of

days ago.

" They informed us and officers from the wildlife squad in Sukna went to the

spot, " Sumita Ghatak, the divisional forest officer, wildlife-1, said today.

" As the elephant had a swelling on one of its legs and it was thin and

unsteady, we suspect that the animal had gone without food for quite a few

days. "

The guards posted in the Bengdubi forest photographed the elephant and they

are yet to confirm whether it is weak because of the swelling or any

disease.

" We have called vets and till they examine the animal and share their

opinions with us, we cannot say if it has any disease, " said the DFO.

" Instructions have been given to the staff of the wildlife squad to try and

trap the elephant for its treatment. "

The foresters monitoring the elephant's movement at Bengdubi said the animal

might have been abandoned by its herd. " The herd is roaming in the Dalka

forests, close to Bengdubi, right now, " a guard said. " Herds abandon

elephants which have injuries or diseases. We suspect that this particular

sub-adult elephant might be suffering from some disease. "

Last year, foresters had spotted two elephant calves, both suffering from

different ailments, in Bagdogra and Odlabari. The calves, abandoned by their

herds, died at the pet elephants' camp in Gorumara National Park despite

treatment by vets.

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