The Forest Department on Monday launched a rescue operation for a wild elephant that fell into a well on a private property at Thanthuddu here, officials said.
According to forest officials, a herd of elephants strayed into a rubber plantation owned by a local, Gopi, near the forest area.
On Sunday night, the calf accidentally fell into an abandoned well, about 20 feet deep and without water.
Residents noticed the cries of the elephants around 4 a.m. on Monday, and upon checking the area, they found the calf trapped inside the well.
Thanythudhu Forest Range Office officials were immediately informed and rushed to the spot.
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Forest officials said efforts are on to rescue the calf by breaking one side of the well and creating a slope using an excavator so that it can come out safely.
The rescue team is also maintaining vigil as the elephant herd was initially present near the site before returning to the forest.
Officials said that once the calf is rescued, efforts will be made to reunite it with the herd.
They added that if this attempt fails, the calf will be transferred to a rehabilitation center.
Meanwhile, local residents have complained that herds of wild elephants are frequently entering human habitations and farmland in the area, causing damage to crops and property.
They claimed that the forest department failed to take adequate measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
