This calf was found abandoned at a forest near Ooty in Tamil Nadu, a south Indian State, and officials at the Muthumulai Elephant Centre have been caring for him since.

The video from September 21 shows the elephant being fed Lactogen 2 milk, which consists of fatty acids, calcium, iron, vitamins and mineral essential for growth, from a giant 3-litre bottle. He is also being given a solid food diet comprising grass, fruits and bark.

A caretaker said the elephant is healthy and comparable to those raised in the wild.

Officials feed milk to orphaned elephant in giant feeding bottle

Indian officials have been feeding lactogen 2 milk to an orphaned elephant calf.

The calf was found abandoned at a forest near Ooty in Tamil Nadu and was brought to Muthumalai elephant centre.

The officials initially used to feed it lactogen 1 milk eight times a day from a giant feeding bottle, which can hold three litres.

Now with the requirements of the growing up baby they are introducing a solid food diet – comprising grass, fruits and bark - to the calf.

They have also shifted to lactogen 2 consisting of fatty acids, calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals, which are essential for older infants.

They have also reduced the feeding bottle to three times a day.

A caretaker said the calf was healthy and comparable to those raised in the wild.