A heartwarming rescue unfolded in eastern India’s Odisha as forest officials, led by ACF Swadhinata Sahani, saved an elephant calf that fell into a well. The calf was reunited with its mother and herd after an intense, early-morning rescue effort.


The incident took place in Khalipasi village, which falls under the Riamal range of the Deogarh forest division in Deogarh district on November 5.


Visuals showed an abandoned well partially surrounded by trees and vegetation. Inside the well, an elephant calf is seen struggling to climb out. Nearby, a large yellow JCB excavator is actively digging into the inner wall of the well, carefully removing soil to create a slope. The ground outside the well has been slightly leveled to form a gradual pathway for the calf. As the JCB operator continues to excavate, forest officials and villagers stand around, watching intently. The atmosphere is one of focus and urgency, with the team working together to safely bring the young elephant out of the well.


According to reports, upon receiving a tip, a forest rescue team led by Assistant Conservator of Forests Swadhinata Sahani quickly assembled and reached the site. Range Officer Niranjan Dhurua, along with other forest guards, joined the mission. Due to thick fog, the operation couldn’t commence until early Tuesday morning. With the help of a JCB excavator, the team carefully broke down a section of the well’s wall, creating a pathway for the calf to climb out.


Once freed, the calf hurried back to its mother, and the family’s relief was evident as the herd welcomed the calf back. Sushant Nanda, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, praised the team’s efforts on social media, applauding the brave and coordinated response by the Deogarh forest division.