Betanati, Dec 13: An injured elephant calf was rescued by the Forest Department in the Khirapada Reserve Forest under the Betanati Range of Mayurbhanj district. The calf, which was found bleeding from its mouth, was tranquilised by the forest team after a thorough rescue operation.

The calf had been roaming alone after straying from its herd. Multiple Forest Department teams monitored its movements, and a medical team from Similipal joined the rescue efforts to provide immediate care. The calf, which was found with its tongue hanging out and bleeding, is in urgent need of medical attention.

Reports indicate that a herd of 37 elephants has been moving through various forests in the Betanati Range. Recently, two separate groups of elephants, one of 27 and the other of 26, crossed into the Gopalpur Reserve Forest in Balasore district. After a brief stay, 26 of the elephants returned to the Betanati Range on Thursday night.

The injured calf had crossed the Budhabalanga River and entered the Kshirapada Reserve Forest early this morning. Local villagers immediately alerted the Forest Department upon noticing the calf's condition, prompting a swift response from the rescue teams.