Injured wild elephant returns to forest after receiving treatment

An injured and sick female wild elephant in the Garo Hills of Sherpur's Nalitabari, received medical care from the Forest Department on Thursday (May 1). The treatment was carried out in the remote hilly region of Daodhara Katabari Para in Noyabil Union, close to the Indian border.

According to the Forest Department, over a hundred wild elephants roam the hilly regions in groups. In search of food, they often wander into nearby villages and farmlands. As human-elephant conflicts continue to rise, some locals have begun using electric traps and traditional weapons to drive them away.

Recently, locals saw an injured female elephant near a construction site for a new tourist spot. They promptly notified the Forest Department, and soon after, a medical team along with forest officials reached the location and provided treatment to the elephant.

Dr Mostafizur Rahman, a veterinary surgeon from Gazipur Safari Park, said, “The elephant was likely injured with a traditional weapon about three to four months ago. The wound measured approximately 3 to 4 inches wide and nearly 6 inches deep, causing significant tissue damage. We cleaned the area and administered antibiotics. Hopefully, she will recover soon.”

Others involved in this humanitarian effort included Dr. Sakib Hossain Sagar, the Livestock Officer of Nalitabari; Atikul Islam Bhuiyan, a lab technician from Gazipur Safari Park; Assistant Technician Mostafa Kamal; along with several officials and staff members from the Forest Department.

Local residents and environmental activists believe that compassionate actions like these are essential for the survival of wild animals in their natural habitats.