Angul, Odisha, India - June 19, 2024

In a remarkable rescue operation, a sub-adult elephant was successfully reunited with its herd in eastern India’s Odisha.

The incident took place in Satkosia Wildlife Division of Angul district on June 19.

Visuals showed an elephant trapped in a well, with rescuers using a JCB excavator to create a path for its escape. The elephant then emerged from the well and rejoined its family, thanks to the efforts of the rescue team and the excavator.
Speaking to Newslions, Satkosia Wildlife Division DFO Saroj Panda said, "Our staff detected the situation late at night, around 10:30 PM, during a patrol when they heard trumpeting. We followed the sounds and discovered the elephant. We then arranged for the necessary machinery and carefully executed the operation, considering other elephants were nearby. We managed to rescue the elephant around 2:30 AM."

The rescue operation was led by Dileswar Naik, Range Officer of Pampasar Range of Satkosia Wildlife Division, and his team.

According to reports, the young elephant, separated from its group, was patiently awaited by its herd in a nearby forest as the rescue operation continued late into the night.

The rescue team, consisting of dedicated wildlife officials and tiger reserve department staff, worked tirelessly to ensure the elephant's safe reunion with its herd.