It is almost a month since the 11-month-old elephant calf, that was rescued from Krishnagiri, was brought to the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR). The calf, which is recuperating well from its injuries suffered at the hands of feral dogs, has formed an indomitable bond with its mahout, Bomman, and this is helping with its rehabilitation.
The calf, which had suffered injuries all over its body after it was abandoned by its herd in Denkanikottai, was raised by Mr. Bomman soon after it was found.
The mahout, who travelled to Krishnagiri and stayed with the animal for two months, takes care of the calf all through the day and the two have become inseparable.
“There is a huge difference in the animal from when I first saw it. It has gained weight and has become very active and playful,” he said and added that the calf has begun feeding well and has lost all signs of nervousness, which he first displayed when brought to Theppakadu.
The mahout stays with the animal all day and night, and lives in the krall where the calf is housed. Such is the attachment that the calf has with the mahout that he calls out to Mr. Bomman when he is not around, and apparently gets upset when left alone for too long by the mahout, who has become a sort of maternal figure for the animal.
“I cannot even go and eat out of his eyesight, or else he starts calling for me,” says Mr. Bomman and is confident that the animal will make a full recovery.
Deputy Director of MTR V.A. Saravanan said that the animal was showing encouraging signs of improvement, but added that the forest department would have to be vigilant till it becomes at least three years old.
Heaters have been fitted in the calf's enclosure to ensure that it doesn’t feel too cold.
