Jumbo calf dies after fall from Bhavani dam embankment

The calf, part of a herd, had ventured out of the Kothamangalam forest range in search of water.

“The calf along with other elephants consumed water from the reservoir. They then tried to climb down a slope on the embankment when the calf lost its balance and rolled down. The elephant died on the spot from the injuries it sustained,” said a Forest Department staff.

According to locals, the mother elephant, unaware of the calf’s death, tried to rouse it using its trunk. After several unsuccessful attempts, the remaining elephants then retreated into the forest cover.

On receiving information from Public Works Department (PWD) officials, the Forest Department staff led by Bhavanisagar forest ranger G Johnson arrived at the spot and examined the carcass of the animal.

The elephant was shifted to the forest, where a post-mortem was done by a veterinarian. The dead animal was then buried at a nearby spot.