Two jumbo calves found dead in Nilgiris

On receiving information that three elephants were standing vigil near the deceased calf aged around three in a private land, a team of forest department officials led by S Kanthan, forest range officer, Singara Range, reached the spot. 

The calf was surrounded by a three-member herd comprising two females and a tusker. The forest staff tried to chase away the adult elephants by firing crackers; however, they failed to leave the spot.

A couple of hours later, the tusker left the spot. However, the two female jumbos, including the one presumed to be its mother, kept guarding the dead calf.

When the forest staff approached the dead calf, the mother elephant charged them. It also attacked and damaged the forest department vehicle that was used in the chasing operation.  

After several hours of failed battle to retrieve the calf, the forest staff suspended their activity on Wednesday. Efforts will resume again on Thursday morning to retrieve the body of the jumbo.

Kanthan said the exact reason for the death of the calf will be known only after performing an autopsy. “One of the two female elephants could be its mother and is hence refusing to leave. 

As they are not letting anyone get closer to the dead jumbo, the situation will be assessed in the morning and efforts would be madde again to drive away the elephants,” he said. 

In a similar incident, a jumbo calf was found dead in Kil Singara near Coonoor on Wednesday evening.

According to Nilgiris North Forest Department officials, an autopsy will be done on Thursday to ascertain the reason behind its death. 

“As it has turned dark, it may not be possible for us to reach the spot to find out the circumstances that led to its death. Cause of death will be known on Thursday following a post-mortem,” said an official.