Elephant calf found separated from herd near Coimbatore shifted to Anamalai Tiger Reserve camp

Forest Department shifts orphaned elephant calf to Kozhikamuthi camp after failed attempts to reunite with herd.

The Forest Department on Friday (June 13, 2025) shifted an elephant calf, which was found separated from its herd in Sirumugai forest range in the Coimbatore Forest Division on May 26, to Kozhikamuthi elephant camp in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR).

The male calf aged around 10 months was shifted from Koothamandi forests in Sirumugai range to the elephant camp on Friday morning (June 13, 2025), after efforts by the Department to unite the animal with an elephant herd did not yield any result.

As per a statement from the Department, field staff searched for elephant herds in and around Koothamandi forests, which is situated on the banks of the water storage area of Bhavanisagar reservoir, from the day the calf was found separated.

However, no herd could be traced in the region, which, according to the Department could be owing to incessant rains. Additionally, the field staff searched for herds in the adjoining forest areas of Sirumugai range, namely the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and the eastern slopes of the Nilgiris. “The efforts continued till Thursday (June 12, 2025) and the Chief Wildlife Warden ordered the calf to be shifted to Kozhikamuthi elephant camp,” it said.

A team led by Sirumugai Forest Range Officer K. Manoj transported the calf from Koothamandi forests to Pethikuttai, by crossing the water storage area of the reservoir, using a boat with a makeshift shelter made with wooden poles at around 4 a.m. The calf was then shifted to Kozhikamuthi elephant camp near Top Slip in ATR on a vehicle. Forest Veterinary Officer A. Sukumar, who has been monitoring the health of the calf, supervised the shifting.

The calf was lodged in a kraal made of bamboo at Kozhikamuthi elephant camp on arrival. A mahout and a cavadi (assistant) were assigned to take care of the elephant.

Dr. Sukumar opined that the nutritious food provided to elephants at the camp will help the calf regain its health. Though the calf is yet to complete the weaning period, which is four to five years or up to next calving of mother, it has started feeding on grass and drinking water.