An elephant with a severe head injury was tranquilised, treated and released back into the wild in Athirappilly on Friday. The operation was led by Chief Veterinary Surgeon Dr Arun Zachariah in the first block of the Plantation Corporation's rubber estate. Before tranquilisation, the injured elephant was separated from two other elephants it had been accompanying.

Once sedated, the elephant was monitored for 30 minutes before treatment began. To cool the animal down, water was poured over its body prior to the medical procedures. Using a ladder to access the elephant’s head, veterinarians cleaned the deep wound, removed pus and administered antibiotics.

After regaining consciousness, the elephant lingered in the area but was eventually released back into the forest. Examination revealed no metallic fragments in its body, ruling out a gunshot injury. The wound was determined to have been caused during a fight with other elephants. The elephant, approximately 35 years old, had sustained a deep head wound along with a minor injury. The primary wound, estimated to be about three weeks old, was severe.

Dr Arun Zachariah, who led the rescue mission, confirmed that the elephant's health is currently weak and will be monitored closely in the coming days.

The rescue operation began on Wednesday and succeeded on its third day. During the first day’s search, the elephant retreated deeper into the forest as tranquilization attempts were made. The initial 20-member team was expanded to 50 members on the second day to intensify efforts. Despite extensive searches, including the deployment of drones, the elephant could not be located that day.

On the third day, the elephant was finally spotted near Vettilappara 14, accompanied by two other elephants. Pus was oozing from its head wound. After separating it from the group, Dr Zachariah successfully tranquilised the elephant using four consecutive darts. The timely intervention enabled treatment and ensured the elephant’s safe return to its natural habitat.