Injured mother elephant dies after falling from hillock at Teknaf
A mother elephant succumbs to her injuries Sunday after falling from a hillock the previous day. Photo: Agamir Somoy.
The wild mother elephant, injured after falling from a hillock in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, has died. The elephant passed away around 10:00 AM today (Sunday), approximately 18 hours after the accident.
Abdur Rashid, Range Officer of the Teknaf Range under the Cox's Bazar South Forest Division, confirmed the matter. He said that every possible effort was made to treat the elephant since it was injured on Saturday afternoon. Due to the remote hilly terrain, it was not possible to move her elsewhere. Therefore, saline, medication, wound treatment, and intensive monitoring were arranged at the accident site. However, all efforts ultimately went futile.
According to the Forest Department, the elephant was foraging for food in the hilly area of Naitongpara-Shealiaghona in the upazila around 3:00 PM yesterday. While descending a steep slope, the 20-to-25-year-old elephant slipped and rolled approximately 300 feet down. Several days of continuous rainfall had made the hill soil soft and extremely slippery, causing her to lose her footing. During the fall, she sustained injuries from hitting trees. Hearing the sound of the accident, locals rushed to the scene. The animal could no longer stand up and lay helplessly on the ground, writhing in pain. Forest Department officials arrived at the site, and later, a specialized team of veterinary doctors from the Teknaf Upazila Livestock and Veterinary Hospital and the Dulahazara Safari Park of Chakaria joined.
Dr. Isham Bin Wadud, Surgeon at the Teknaf Livestock and Veterinary Hospital, said, "Due to the fall, the elephant suffered internal bleeding and multiple injuries on her body. The exact cause of death can be confirmed after a post-mortem examination. However, experienced doctors did everything possible to save her."
Assistant Conservator of Forests Md. Monirul Islam said, "At least 23 Asian wild elephants inhabit the hill where the accident occurred. Preliminary assumptions indicate that the accident happened because the continuous heavy rainfall made the slopes slippery."
Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) S.M. Anik Chowdhury said the elephant's two hind legs were severely damaged, and she also had serious injuries to her abdomen.
He added that an investigation team has been formed regarding the elephant's death. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Afterwards, the animal will be buried under the supervision of the Forest Department.
Last night (Saturday), Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had instructed authorities to give the highest priority to treating the injured elephant.
Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Atiqur Rahman Rumon, said that relevant authorities were instructed not to show any negligence in the treatment and care of the elephant. Although treatment efforts were intensified following the Prime Minister's directives, the elephant ultimately could not be saved.
Forest Department officials commented that during the monsoon season, the soil in hilly areas becomes soft and slippery, increasing the risk of accidents for wildlife. Long-term initiatives are needed to protect the safe habitats, movement corridors, and food sources of the endangered Asian elephants roaming the forests of Teknaf.
