An injured tusker roaming the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary near Bhubaneswar was successfully tranquillised on Friday, paving the way for urgent medical intervention by a joint team from Nandankanan Zoological Park and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).
The adult male elephant, believed to have migrated from the Athagarh region, had been spotted limping with a severely swollen left hind leg for the past two days. Forest officials suspect the swelling could be due to a bullet wound, arrow injury, infection, or even a tumour. Without prompt treatment, experts warn the animal risks septicemia, a potentially fatal blood infection.
A five-member veterinary team, supported by over 20 forest personnel, tracked the tusker in the dense bamboo forests of Chandaka. The elephant was part of a small herd of five, requiring careful separation before the tranquilization dart could be administered safely.
“After tranquillising the tusker, treatment has begun on-site,” said a forest department spokesperson. “Detailed examination will reveal the exact cause of the swelling—whether it’s from poaching-related injuries like gunfire or arrows, or a natural infection.”
Officials, including Chandaka ACF Sangram Mohanty, have been monitoring the situation closely for 48 hours. During an earlier tracking attempt on Thursday, two forest personnel, including forester Deepak Nayak, sustained minor injuries while navigating the thick jungle.
The tusker’s distress was evident as it roared in pain and struggled to keep up with the herd. Dense vegetation prevented drone surveillance, forcing ground teams to rely on foot tracking.
Wildlife experts emphasise the urgency: “Immediate treatment is critical. If left untreated, septicemia could claim the elephant’s life,” the veterinary team stated.
