An elephant calf, separated from its herd from Myanmar, has been trapped in Shah Parir Dwip of Cox's Bazar's Teknaf for the last two days without food or fresh water.
Despite their continuous efforts till filing this report on Wednesday, forest officials were unable to successfully relocate the baby elephant to a secure location. The 7-feet tall calf was spotted roaming around the forest of tamarisk trees. Bashir Ahmed Khan, forest range officer of Cox's Bazar's South Forest Division, said, "Attempts are being made for safe returning of the baby elephant to Teknaf forest. The baby elephant has to be caught and brought to the forest by truck."
"Local people saw the elephant standing near Naf river. The height of the elephant is about 7 feet. The baby elephant was seen strong and healthy," Bashir added.
It is believed that the elephant may have come from Myanmar by swimming across the Naf river, possibly as a result of heavy rains and landslides, which caused it to become separated from its herd. Abul Kalam Sarkar, ranger officer of Teknaf Coastal Forest Division said that they were informed of a lost calf loitering around the area on Monday. The animal got lost while crossing the Naf river from Myanmar to Bangladesh and took shelter in the coastal forests. Once rescued, the calf will be taken to protected forest lands or a safari park upon orders from authorities. Meanwhile, precautions are being taken to ensure that the animal is not harmed in any way, he added.
Abdus Salam, a member of ward-9 of the Sabrang Union Parishad, said that the forest officials and some people from the elephant rescue team were trying to capture the elephant till 4:30pm on Tuesday.