Wayanad: The Forest Department's Rapid Rescue Team (RRT) rescued an elephant calf that had separated from its herd due to a leg injury in Thrissilery on Friday. The calf was captured using a rope net and safely shifted to hospice at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for further medical care.

Local residents alerted officials after spotting the animal near Edayoorkunnu in Kattikulam, Thrissilery, crying loudly due to an injury on its rear leg.  

Despite suggestions to administer tranquillizer shots, forest veterinarians decided against using any chemical treatment due to the calf's weakened physical state. The animal repeatedly attempted to flee during the effort to catch it by the RRT.

A team of forest officials, including Section Forest Officer K Ratheesh and Forest Department veterinarian Dr Ajesh Mohandas, worked together to ensure the animal's safe relocation for treatment. Wild animals often stray into the jungle villages of Tirunelli panchayat, locals said.