A wild female elephant was seriously injured after falling from a hill about 200 feet high in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Saturday. Forest officials and veterinary personnel have been treating the animal at the site.
The incident occurred at around 3:00 pm in the Naityangpara area of Ward No. 1 under Teknaf municipality.
According to the Forest Department, the elephant slipped and fell while feeding on foliage on the hillside after continuous rain had softened the soil. The animal sustained severe injuries and was unable to stand. Local residents informed the Forest Department, whose officials rushed to the spot along with veterinarians from the Teknaf Upazila Livestock Veterinary Hospital and began emergency treatment.
Mohammad Monirul Islam, assistant conservator of forests for Teknaf and Ukhiya, confirmed the incident to Cox’s Bazar Life.
“The elephant fell from a height of around 200 feet. Veterinary officials from the upazila livestock office are providing treatment. It has suffered two major injuries to its abdomen. We have also called a veterinary surgeon from Dulahazara Safari Park, who is on the way to the site,” he said.
He expressed hope that the elephant could recover with intensive treatment and close monitoring over the coming days.
After visiting the site, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer S M Anik Chowdhury said the elephant remained on the ground and could move only slightly after the fall. It was unable to move its hind legs and had also sustained abdominal injuries.
He said a specialised veterinary team from Dulahazara Safari Park in Chakaria was travelling to the scene to provide advanced treatment.
“As the area is remote and hilly, it is not possible to relocate the elephant at this stage. It will therefore be treated on-site. If it recovers, experts will decide whether it should be released back into the wild or taken to Dulahazara Safari Park for further care,” he added.
Meanwhile, treatment is underway for the elephant following the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Immediately after receiving news of the incident, the Prime Minister directed all relevant agencies to take the necessary measures to ensure the highest standard of treatment for the injured elephant.
Following the directive, Forest Department officials quickly reached the site and began rescue and treatment operations.
Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque confirmed the matter to the news agency.
He said the elephant’s condition is currently extremely critical. It has sustained a severe abdominal injury, one of its hind legs has been broken, and it has suffered multiple serious injuries across its body. Due to the intense pain, the elephant is unable to stand.
Ignoring adverse weather conditions and heavy rainfall, Nazmul said, a team of specialist veterinarians is working tirelessly to provide treatment.
A veterinary surgeon from the Teknaf Upazila Livestock Office is providing primary medical care, he added.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
