Elephant Injured In ‘Tussle’ Remains In Pond In Odisha’s Sambalpur; Vets Administer IV Fluid

By OB Bureau On Jun 19, 2022

Sambalpur: Veterinary doctors from OUAT in Bhubaneswar on Sunday attended to the injured elephant that has taken refuge in a pond in Badasahi forest section in Sambalpur district.

According to reports, two elephants sustained injuries in a tussle in the forest under Sambalpur Forest Division a few days back. While one elephant went inside the pond, another was spotted by Forest officials limping in Padiabahal forest section.

On being informed about the injured elephants on June 16, the Forest officials went to the spot. “The Forest officials found that the tusker had high fever apparently due to the injuries. It must have gone into the water to neutralise the body temperature,” TNIE quoted Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial), Sambalpur, Vishwanath Neelannavar as saying.

However, veterinary doctors led by Prof Indramani Nath, Head of Department, Surgery and Radiology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar attended to the elephant in the pond after tranquilising it. But, its body did not respond to antibiotic and pain-killer medicines, he added.

The doctors also carried out treatment on the elephant without tranquiliser on Sunday. “The injuries are not matter of concern. But it is suspected to have sustained sprain in one leg. However, we are administering intra-venous fluid to him and keeping a watch on its condition. It is better for it to remain in water,” said Prof Nath.

At least 12 staff of the forest range are at the spot and are monitoring the movements of the elephants, said the DFO.