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Elephants Join Caretaker’s Song in Heartwarming Clip | WATCH

July 7, 2025, 11:14 am

A touching video of elephants forming a connection with their caregiver has touched the hearts of internet users. Shared by the Save Elephant Foundation founder Lek Chailert on Instagram, the clip beautifully depicts the deep emotional bond between humans and animals.

In the video, there are two elephants standing beside Chailert, who sits peacefully on a small dirt mound beneath a small shelter. One of the elephants gently reaches out with its trunk, touching her in a soft, loving manner. While Chailert sings softly, the elephants appear to respond low vocalizations made by them that are almost reminiscent of harmonizing with her singing.

Watch:

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A post shared by Lek Chailert (@lek_chailert)

Looking at this tender scene, Chailert explained, “You can see how much elephants love to be sung to. They feel happy and at peace, and sometimes even sing along. My best moments are when I’m with elephants; my family, whom I care about so much. Every day, I spend with them, finding out what they need. These are the most peaceful and happiest moments for me. Because their happiness is my happiness as well.”

Accompanying the video, she penned a touching message regarding how to understand elephants’ needs. “A lot of people ask me how I know what elephants need. The answer is easy: simply listen to your heart. Their fundamental needs are no different from ours, they want to live in safety, be well nourished, and be happy.”

She also shared a compelling insight about the relationship between humans and animals: “If human beings can tear down the wall of belief that we are superior to animals, that animals are here to serve us, and instead opt to live in harmony with each other, we will start seeing the deep beauty of them. Happiness and peace are present everywhere, if we open our hearts.”

Social Media Reacts

The video quickly went viral, amassing over 141,000 views and drawing an outpouring of love from viewers. Comments poured in, with one person saying, “This is the most peaceful thing I’ve seen all day.” Another remarked, “She treats them like her own children. Absolutely beautiful.”

“This just made me cry. The love is real,” posted a third. Another commented, “We don’t deserve animals,” as another user termed it ‘pure magic’.

Many agreed with the likes of, “You can feel the connection,” “Thank you for giving them the life they deserve,” and “This gave me goosebumps. Elephants are truly special.

‘Wild Dining’: This Dessert Is Made Of Elephant Dung, And It Costs Rs 45,000

April 19, 2025, 8:08 am

In the heart of Shanghai, a high-end restaurant is drawing global attention with its one-of-a-kind rainforest-themed culinary experience. Priced at 3,888 yuan (approximately ₹45,236), the 15-course tasting menu blends experimental gastronomy with environmental awareness, offering dishes that range from bizarre to mind-blowing.

Inspired by Yunnan’s Rainforests

The restaurant’s founders spent seven years exploring the lush rainforests of China’s Yunnan province to design an immersive dining concept. Every element—from the ambiance to the ingredients—aims to recreate the biodiversity and textures of the rainforest. The goal? To raise ecological consciousness through food.

Elephant Dung Dessert Steals the Show

The star of the menu is a jaw-dropping dessert titled “Flowers Inserted into Elephant Dung.” As strange as it sounds, the dish is a sterilized, dried, and crushed version of elephant dung, layered with herbal perfume, fruit jam, pollen, and a scoop of honey sorbet. Diners even get to customize the dessert using their preferred jams and scents. “The flavours may sound off-putting, but the textures and taste leave a surprising and unforgettable impression,” said one diner who tried the dish.

A Sensory Rainforest Adventure

The restaurant offers more than just an unusual menu—it’s a full-blown sensory experience. Guests are served dishes that challenge the conventional idea of fine dining, like the pungent “black goo” inspired by the odor of the Rafflesia flower, and ice cubes made of honey and pollen. Each course tells a story, and every bite is an adventure.

Mixed Online Reactions

As expected, reactions on social media have been polarizing. Some users applauded the creativity and sustainability of the concept, while others found certain ingredients—like insects and dung—repulsive. Still, it’s hard to ignore the bold innovation behind the experience.

A Culinary Risk Worth Taking?

Whether you’re a thrill-seeking foodie or a conscious eater exploring sustainability, this rainforest-themed restaurant is anything but ordinary. The controversial elephant dung dessert may be the showstopper, but it’s part of a broader mission to make diners rethink their relationship with food and the planet.

Elephant Visits Hospital for Heartfelt Goodbye to its Ailing Caretaker | WATCH

February 9, 2025, 2:36 pm

From childhood, it is drilled within us that dangerous wild animals comprise tigers and leopards and elephants; however, here are some that break this imagination and create these deep emotional interlinks with men. A similar incident that brought the internet attention recently is video footage of visiting an elephant seeing its caretaker in a hospice with their terminal disease diagnoses.

The touching video captures the impressive creature standing at the door of the hospital room and then lowering itself very gingerly inside. Showing thoughtful insight and magnanimity, the elephant gently lowers itself to the floor, probably because of the low ceiling, and then tenderly extends its trunk into the beeping bedridden elderly patient. The gravity of the moment seems to take another level high as the elephant lovingly tries to wake him up. A woman, perhaps a relation or nurse, uses her guidance to direct his hand towards the trunk of the elephant, in a heart-wrenching scene .

Watch:

Elephant brought to hospital to say goodbye to his terminally ill caretaker. ?? pic.twitter.com/TKSNS6vy88

— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) February 6, 2025

Social Media Overwhelmed

The video has taken social media by storm, amassing over 6 million views on X. The caption accompanying the clip states, “Elephant brought to hospital to say goodbye to his terminally ill caretaker.” The heartwarming exchange has deeply moved thousands of viewers, who have flooded the comments with emotional reactions.

This is the purest form of love. Animals never forget those who cared for them.” Another wrote, “If this doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, I don’t know what will.” A third added, “Elephants have the biggest hearts, both literally and emotionally. This is just heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.

Many echoed similar sentiments. “This just proves how emotionally intelligent elephants are. They grieve, they remember, and they love,” commented one user. Another remarked, “The fact that this elephant understood the situation and wanted to say goodbye is beyond words.

Some users shared stories of a similar moment when one remembered the story of a mourning elephant of its trainer death. They do not forget ever. Another even said, “Love knows no boundaries. Proof.”

Elephant Tosses Man Into Air During Kerala Temple Festival | WATCH

January 8, 2025, 8:36 pm

As many as 17 people were injured, including one critically, when an elephant went agitated during the Puthiyangadi annual ‘nercha’ at the BP Angadi festival in Kerala’s Malappuram district late last night. The incident took place in Tirur, where a large crowd had gathered to witness the event.

Footage from the festival shows five elephants adorned with golden ornaments parading through the crowd as spectators recorded the moment. Suddenly, one of the elephants, Pakkathu Sreekuttan, became uncontrollable. Despite the mahout’s attempts to regain control, the elephant charged into the crowd, creating panic.

In the confusion, the elephant raised a man by its trunk and threw him up in the air, rendering him critically wounded. He is taken to the MIMS Hospital at Kotakkal for further treatment. All most all injuries caused occurred due to the stampede kind of a situation as all began running here and there.

Watch the viral video:

#WATCH | Malappuram, Kerala: Many people were injured when an elephant turned violent during Puthiyangadi annual ‘nercha’ at BP Angadi, Tirur

(Source: Taluk Disaster Response Force) pic.twitter.com/jlm7tCGTxf

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025

Efforts to calm the elephant involved multiple individuals using chains to restrain it, which took nearly two hours. Once subdued, the animal was tied near a mast to prevent further incidents.

A 37-year-old tribal man was trampled to death by a wild elephant earlier this week in the Nilambur forest area. The incident took place at Poochappara settlement of Karulai forest range, where Mani, belonging to the Cholanaikkan community, was on his way back to his village after taking his children to a tribal hostel.

In another heart-wrenching incident last November, a temple elephant in Chennai killed a 45-year-old mahout along with his relative. This incident occurred at Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu. According to eyewitnesses, a temple elephant, Deivanai, killed Udhayakumar and Sivabalan after this young man, Sivabalan, reportedly entered its enclosure. Both died at the hospital.

Elephant Politely Signals Man to Move Aside in Viral Video | WATCH

December 17, 2024, 12:18 pm

A recent viral video showcases how intelligent, gentle, and incredible wildlife are. The short clip took 23 seconds to run, shared on X (previously Twitter) by the account @AmazingNature. This is an elephant calmly signaling to the man to step aside from her path. And as he does, recognizing the little nudge of the elephant, his movement makes this interaction almost appear playful. The video caption reads, “Elephant gently reminding the human that he is in the way.” And it has collected huge applause for the gentle nature and composed nature of the elephant.

Elephant gently reminding the human that he is in the way. pic.twitter.com/Ft6P7ICUf8

— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) December 14, 2024

Many viewers complimented the elephant’s behavior and commented on how animals are sometimes really kind. One user commented, “This is incredible—such intelligence and grace in one moment.” Another noted, “We humans have so much to learn from animals like this.“A third user added, “This is the reason why elephants are my favorite animals. Their kindness has no match.”

Others were captivated by the mutual respect both the man and the elephant showed to each other when one said, “Both the man and the elephant managed this so well.”

Back in Sri Lanka, a 40-year-old elephant known as Raja has gained fame for its peculiar habit of “collecting tolls” from passing automobiles. Raja stands beside the Buttala-Kataragama road and patiently waits for food handouts. He stops moving vehicles by flailing his long trunk at them. Drivers have gotten accustomed to giving fruits or treats before moving on their way. Sometimes, Raja negotiates, but every time, he collects his “tax.” Once satisfied, he moves out of the way of the proceeding vehicles. Locals affectionately called him the most punctual and reliable tax collector. His playful antics made him a sweetheart of the region.

Raja the Elephant Collects ‘Food Tax’ In Sri Lanka | WATCH

December 10, 2024, 2:57 pm

In a delightful twist to the usual road toll system, a 40-year-old elephant named Raja has turned himself into a self-appointed toll collector along the Buttala-Kataragama road in Sri Lanka. Known for his love of food, Raja has turned his daily ritual of stopping vehicles into a unique and whimsical “food tax,” adding a touch of charm to the commute.

The Tradition of Raja’s Toll Collection

Raja‘s road tax is no regular toll booth. Vehicles traversing the Buttala-Kataragama road, a lifeline that connects Sri Lanka‘s west coast and southeast coast, need to slow down or halt as the elephant makes an appearance, waiting with his trunk outstretched. Only after being served with a snack does Raja allow the drivers and passengers to continue their journey. It is believed that what began as Raja‘s quest for food has blossomed into a full-fledged, unwritten tradition.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

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A post shared by BBC Earth (@bbcearth)

Locals Prepare for Raja’s Encounter

Locals and regular commuters are well aware of Raja’s routine and prepare accordingly. As they approach the area, they stock up on fruits from roadside stalls, ready to appease the gentle giant. Although Raja occasionally causes minor traffic congestion, the locals have embraced him and his tradition. He is seen as a kind figure, and his “tax collection” is viewed as fair.

A Viral Instagram Moment

Recently, Raja‘s antics were also put on viral when BBC Earth published a video of the elephant in action. The video was captioned “Meet the elephant who collects road tax“ and instantly picked up attention on the net. People saw it so funny as they stop cars and take food in exchange for allowing passage. Many were praising his “tax system,”with one user making a joke comment, saying, “The only corruption that‘s acceptable,” while another said, “This is where and how I want my tax to be paid.”

The Respect and Charm of Raja

Despite the jovial nature of Raja‘s collection of tolls, he is treated with respect and love in the local community. The wild animals and untamed jungle surrounding the Buttala-Kataragama road are more than just a lifeline; they are home to one of the most eccentric “tax” collectors in Raja. Raja‘s food tax may be an oddity, but to many, it is all part of the charm of Sri Lanka‘s wild and untamed beauty.

GST = Gajraj Service Tax.” Indeed, in Raja‘s world, the rules are clearly defined—and his toll collection is as much a part of local culture as the road itself.

Elephant Performing ‘Bharatanatyam’? IFS Officer Reveals the Truth Behind Viral Video | WATCH

November 28, 2024, 6:07 pm

A viral video of two women performing Bharatanatyam with an elephant seemingly swaying in rhythm behind them has captured widespread attention. Many viewers interpreted the elephant’s movements as joyful dancing, further adding to the video’s charm.

However, wildlife experts have cautioned that the swaying likely signifies stress rather than happiness. Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan clarified, “That elephant is stressed. It is not a sign of dancing but stress.”

That elephant is stressed. It is not sign of dancing but stress. https://t.co/XdviJYkZ2q

— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) November 27, 2024

The video, which has garnered nearly 700,000 views, shows two women performing the classical dance in an open area while the elephant, tethered to a pole, sways back and forth. The scene led many to mistakenly believe the elephant was joyfully participating in the performance, turning the footage into a viral sensation.

Parveen Kaswan emphasized that the swaying behavior exhibited by elephants in captivity is often a sign of distress. This is known as stereotypic behavior, which also includes head bobbing, pacing, and repetitive motions, typically observed in elephants confined to unnatural environments like chains or enclosures. These behaviors are often a response to boredom, stress, or the lack of stimulation that elephants would otherwise experience in the wild.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion about humanizing animal behavior and the need to better understand the true nature of such actions in captive settings.

‘Bharatanatyam Elephant’: It’s ‘Dance’ Sparks Joy, But Experts Sound Alarms | WATCH

November 28, 2024, 9:12 am

A video featuring two women doing Bharatanatyam behind an elephant swaying behind them has caught the world’s attention with millions tuning in. The viewers may have been enthralled by the appearance of this elephant as a participant with the dancers, but an officer from the Indian Forest Service has revealed the disturbing fact behind this apparently happy film.

The Viral Dance Video

In the clip, two women elegantly dance Bharatanatyam in an open area with an elephant, tethers tied behind them to a pole that sways back and forth. This video shared on X under the caption, “Two girls are performing Bharatanatyam when suddenly an elephant joins in, matching their moves and vibing along gracefully,” has racked up almost 700,000 views with hundreds of comments hailing the apparent coordination of the animal.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

? pic.twitter.com/xD5YnoX1cy

— Bhoomika Maheshwari (@sankii_memer) November 26, 2024

Fans hailed the elephant as “gorgeous” and “poetic” for its alleged involvement in the video, but not everyone found that video so sweet.

The Disturbing Reality Behind the Sway

IFS officer Parveen Kaswan highlighted that the elephant’s movements are likely a sign of distress rather than joy. He responded to the video, writing: “That elephant is stressed. It is not a sign of dancing but stress.” Kaswan urged viewers not to anthropomorphise animals, explaining that they express emotions differently from humans.

To illustrate his point, Kaswan shared another video of an elephant exhibiting similar swaying motions, often associated with stereotypic behaviour—a repetitive action commonly observed in captive animals under stress or boredom.

What Causes Stereotypic Behaviour?

Stereotypic behaviour in elephants includes swaying, head bobbing, pacing, and repetitive movements. These behaviours are usually seen in animals confined in unnatural environments, such as small enclosures or chains, where they lack adequate stimulation or freedom to move. Such conditions prevent elephants from exhibiting their natural behaviours, leading to frustration and psychological distress.

While the viral video brought smiles to many faces, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by captive elephants and the importance of ensuring their welfare. Experts continue to advocate for better environments and more humane treatment of these gentle giants.

Coimbatore: Elephant Break Open Door, Enter House In Tamil Nadu | WATCH

November 1, 2024, 2:00 pm

A shocking incident unfolded in the Marudamalai IBO Colony of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, when wild elephants broke into a residential home early on November 1. According to a journalist who shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), the event occurred around 4 AM, capturing the moment when the elephants attempted to force their way through the front door. The dramatic footage shows the massive tuskers making a chaotic entrance as startled residents react quickly to the unfolding scene.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

தீபாவளிக்கு செய்த பலகாரம் எதாவது மீதி இருக்கா? கோவை மருதமலை IBO காலனி கருத்தபாண்டியன் என்பவரது வீட்டுக்குள் இன்று அதிகாலை புகுந்த காட்டு யானைகள். @gurusamymathi @gurujourno @kovaikarthee @PT__journo__PK @PrasannaVs7 #elephants #TNForest pic.twitter.com/LN0EeGIB4p

— Srini Subramaniyam (@Srinietv2) November 1, 2024

As the elephants entered the home, the family inside quickly retreated to the safety of the upper floor, fearing for their lives as the wildlife wreaked havoc in their living room. The viral clips serve as a stark reminder of the close encounters between humans and wildlife in the region, highlighting the need for increased awareness and safety measures in areas adjacent to elephant habitats.

Tragic Selfie Attempt Leads to Fatal Encounter with Wild Elephant

In a heartbreaking incident in Maharashtra, a young laborer was killed by a wild elephant while trying to take a selfie. The victim, Srikant Ramchandra Satre, had gone to the Abapur forest in Gadchiroli with two friends on Thursday morning in hopes of spotting the magnificent creature. Tragically, this outing took a fatal turn when Srikant was attacked by the aggressive elephant.

Kerala: 30 Hospitalised Due to Food Poisoning at Varkala

October 13, 2024, 11:25 pm

As many as 30 people suffered food poisoning after consuming food from two restaurants at Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Following the incident, the food safety department sealed the restaurants New Spicy Multi-cuisine Foodbay and its sister concern Elephant Eatery, located at Temple Road near Varkala taluk hospital, after serving them notice.

A total of 22 people were admitted to the taluk hospital, while the remaining eight were admitted to Sivagiri Sree Narayana Guru Mission Hospital. However, none of them are in a critical condition.

“Though the victims are still symptomatic, their condition is stable. They are kept under observation and will be discharged after two or three days,” sources in the taluk hospital said.

The squad collected samples from the restaurant, and officials stated that the lab results will come within five days. This is the second time food poisoning was reported from the New Spicy Multi-cuisine Foodbay restaurant. The previous incident occurred in March this year, during which nearly 100 people suffered food poisoning. Although food safety officials shut down the restaurant and served a notice then, it was reopened later.

Viral Video: Furious Elephant Crushes Cars At Bihar’s Dussehra Mela

October 13, 2024, 1:27 pm

In a shocking incident, an elephant went on a rampage during a Dussehra mela in Bihar’s Saran district on Saturday, causing chaos in the market area for over two hours. An elephant trampled several cars and sent the locals into a panic before a mahout managed to calm the enraged animal.

Chaos in the Streets

Videos shared widely on social media captured the intense moments as the elephant, with a few riders on its back, stormed through the crowded streets of Saran. The massive animal rammed into cars, creating havoc and terror among the residents. The police were alerted to the situation but were initially unable to control the elephant’s rampage.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Bihar

A rampaging elephant caused chaos in Chhapra, Bihar. pic.twitter.com/WgQtZiEL1K

— Atulkrishan (@iAtulKrishan1) October 12, 2024

Mahout’s Quick Action

A mahout was eventually called in to help. Along with a team of forest department officials, the mahout successfully pacified the angry elephant and led it to a nearby secluded garden. Authorities confirmed that several vehicles were damaged, and one person was injured. The injured individual was rushed to a hospital, where his condition was reported to be stable.

Unclear Cause

While the exact cause of the elephant’s aggression remains unknown, police and forest officials are investigating the incident. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the situation was brought under control.

Assam: Wild Elephant Tramples 50-Year-Old Farmer To Death Near Guwahati

July 30, 2024, 5:35 pm

A 50-year-old man was tragically killed by a wild elephant in Assam’s Kamrup Metro district on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred near Deepor Beel, on the outskirts of Guwahati, as the elephant ventured into a residential area searching for food.

The victim, Kamal Kalita, was a farmer residing in Matia Pahar. Local sources believe that Kalita may have confronted the elephant to protect his crops, leading to the fatal encounter. The wild elephant, likely startled or agitated, attacked Kalita in the early hours of the day.

Forest officials recovered Kalita’s body and transported it to Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), where medical personnel confirmed death from the elephant’s attack. The area, situated near Nilachal Hills and the Kamakhya Temple, is known for frequent elephant movements, with these animals often straying into civilian zones.

Officials suspect that the elephant involved may have wandered from Orang National Park, which is home to a significant elephant population. The authorities are working to address the issue and prevent future incidents in this vulnerable area.

Revealed: Do Elephants Call Each Other By Their Names?

June 24, 2024, 2:06 pm

Elephants have long been recognized as highly social animals. Now, a unique social experiment has proven it. Recently, researchers, using AI tools, found that elephants call each other by their names. Their study, which was published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, revealed that African Savannah elephants used some 469 unique calls or “rumbles” to call each other.

The research took place in Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park over four years. All the elephants were tracked and listened to using machine-learning software called ‘Elephant Voices.’

Initial observations from researchers showed that elephants were using a call-and-response system of communication. It had been noticed that matriarchs, the female leaders of elephant herds, would make a call, which sounded like a rumble, from within the group of elephants, and the entire herd would respond.
However, shortly afterwards, the same matriarch would give another, similar rumble, and only one elephant far off from the group would give a response while hurriedly coming back to the group.

How social are elephants?

“The social network of elephants is incredibly rich, incredibly nuanced, and incredibly complex with this hierarchical structure of different types of relations and preferences and interactions,” George Wittemyer, a behavioural ecologist at Colorado State University, one of the institutes involved in the Kenya study, told Al Jazeera.

Rahul Gandhi Meets Elephant Attack Victims’ Families in Wayanad

February 18, 2024, 12:05 pm

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrived at the home of VP Paul, a Forest Department watcher, who was killed on Sunday in Wayanad by a wild elephant.
The Congress MP spoke with the victim’s family and offered his condolences to them during their time of loss.
The event sparked a large-scale demonstration on Saturday in the Wayanad district’s Pakkam, close to Pulpally.

Rahul Gandhi abruptly ended his “Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra” in Varanasi yesterday and departed for his Wayanad seat in response to public outcry over locals’ deaths at the hands of wild elephant attacks.

Gandhi has also addressed a letter to Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala, asking for prompt action on the event.

The victim was attacked, according to Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran, after the elephant entered a neighborhood close to Mananthavady.

Following the event, the Kerala government promised a job to one of the deceased’s family members and issued a compensation of Rs 10 lakh.

In the meantime, Wayanad wildlife attack issues were the subject of a high-level conference that was ordered by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday.

The Kerala Chief Minister has announced that on February 20, a meeting will take place in Wayanad. Ministers from the Revenue, Forest, and Local Self-Government Departments will be present at the conference. The gathering will be attended by representatives of the people, including those from the Wayanad district’s local bodies, and officials, including high-ranking officials.

Simultaneously, there was a report of another occurrence in which a dead cow was discovered, allegedly as a result of a wild animal attack this morning close to Kenichira. The desire for swift action was heightened when furious people brought the cow’s body and placed it on the bonnet of a forest department jeep.

Authorities in Wayanad are struggling to deal with the growing number of wildlife-related incidents, thus things are still tense there. It is expected that strategies and mitigation measures to address the growing issues posed by these attacks in the region would be discussed at the upcoming high-level meeting.

Kerala: Maoist group attacked by wild elephant in Kannur

February 17, 2024, 11:17 am

On Friday, a wild elephant attacked a group of Maoists in Kannur; however, some of the gang members survived and escaped.

A suspected Maoist who was hurt in the attack is now in police custody.

The police have admitted him to the Kannur Government Medical College for treatment.
A police investigation into the incident is now ongoing.

Further information is awaited.

Human-elephant clash kills over 70 humans, 80 elephants

March 16, 2023, 4:50 pm

The human-elephant conflict in Assam takes place at regular intervals. As per the report, clashes between the two different creatures claim the lives of 70 people and 80 pachyderms every year, state Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said on Thursday.

He went on to say in the assembly that the state government has to pay approximately Rs 8–9 crore in compensation due to the damages caused by the elephants.

In replying to a question, he said that humans have been gradually occupying the natural habitats of the biggest mammals of earth, which has forced the animals to move into populated areas in search of food, leading to conflict with humans.

The minister further added that, as a result, property is also being damaged. Currently, more than 5,700, elephants are residing in Assam, he said.

Overall, 509 elephants died of natural causes, while 209 succumbed to strange reasons, 102 were electrocuted, and 65 and 40 died of train accidents and poisoning, respectively. While 18 elephants lost their lives after being hit by lightning in recent years.

The minister also informed that 34.21 percent of the state is covered by forest, as per the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 report.

Wild elephant calf found dead in Jorhat; cause unknown

November 25, 2022, 1:08 pm

In a tea garden in Assam’s Jorhat district on Friday, a dead body of a wild elephant calf was found.

Meanwhile, at Kasojan tea estate near Titabor in the Jorhat district, the carcass of the elephant calf was spotted by some people after which people informed the local forest officials.

In search of food, the elephant came out from a nearby jungle area and was part of a herd of wild elephants.

Moreover, the exact cause of death of the elephant calf is yet to be ascertained, said Diganta Hazarika, forest official of Jorhat district.

“Today morning, the tea garden authority informed us that an elephant calf has been found dead in the tea garden. We immediately reached the spot and informed our higher authority,” Hazarika said.

The forest official further said, “We have also called the veterinary doctor and we will come to know the cause of death after the examination. The age of the dead elephant calf is around 3 months old. There were around 53 wild elephants in the herd.”

Earlier on Thursday at the Joyramkuchi area under the Lakhipur forest range in Assam’s Goalpara district, a wild elephant was found dead in a paddy field.

However, in November also a dead body of a wild elephant was found in a paddy field in the Kankata area in the Goalpara district.