In a remarkable rescue effort in central India Madhya Pradesh, a two-year-old elephant calf was saved by 200 personnel after it wandered alone through a tiger reserve.

The incident took place in Bandhavgarh district on November 6.

Visuals showed forest officials gently guiding the young elephant into a transport vehicle under close monitoring to ensure its safety and well-being.

According to reports, the baby elephant, found roaming and trumpeting in distress, had reportedly traveled 80 kilometers over the past week in search of its mother, who had gone missing. Villagers, who initially spotted the calf roaming through fields and forested hills, alerted authorities and shared video footage, which led to the coordinated rescue.

The calf’s solitary journey was likely spurred by a tragic event in the herd, where nearly 10 elephants, including four calves, recently died after consuming stale Kodo millet. Forest officials marveled at the calf’s survival, noting it had sustained itself on grass, tender stems, and water from streams as it moved through an unfamiliar and predator-rich area, where other young elephants had previously fallen prey.

The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, L. Krishnamurthy, expressed relief over the successful rescue, remarking on the calf’s resilience and the forest department’s vigilant efforts amidst challenging circumstances.