Orphaned Elephant Calf Refuses to Leave Dead Mother's Side in Kodagu

The distressed calf was seen wandering through a coffee plantation, crying continuously and exhibiting aggressive behaviour.

Virajpet: A one-and-a-half-year-old elephant calf, orphaned after the death of its mother near Ammathi in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu, remained separated from its herd on Monday, prompting forest officials to closely monitor its movements.

The distressed calf was seen wandering through a coffee plantation, crying continuously and exhibiting aggressive behaviour. According to forest officials, the calf has refused to allow personnel to approach it, making rescue or intervention difficult.

Although a herd of wild elephants has been spotted in the vicinity, the calf has not attempted to rejoin them. Officials remain hopeful that it will eventually reunite with the herd on its own.

Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Kirubananthan said the calf's aggressive behaviour appears to be a response to the trauma of losing its mother.

"The calf has not allowed our staff to get near it. We are hopeful it will rejoin the elephant herd on its own. Our personnel will continue monitoring it closely for the next couple of days," he said.

The mother elephant had reportedly strayed away from the herd and died in a coffee plantation on Saturday night due to a spinal ailment. The calf remained beside its mother's body for hours, repeatedly circling it and attempting to wake her, in a scene that drew widespread attention.

Following a post-mortem examination, the forest department performed the last rites for the deceased elephant. Officials are now focused on ensuring the orphaned calf safely reunites with its herd while continuing to monitor its condition.

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