Wild elephant rescued from well in Areekode after 21-hour operation

Malappuram, Kerala: A wild elephant that fell into a well in Areekode was successfully rescued after a gruelling 21-hour operation. The rescue team, comprising a 60-member task force from the Forest Department, worked tirelessly to help the elephant out of the well and return safely to the forest.

The elephant fell into a private well in Areekode early Thursday morning. To facilitate the rescue, mud was removed, and a path was created on one side of the well, allowing the elephant to climb out and find its way back to the forest.

The mission was led by a 60-member team from the Forest Department, who worked round the clock to ensure the safety of both the elephant and the locals. Initially, a tranquiliser gun was considered as part of the rescue plan, but the operation was carried out without firing a shot. The elephant managed to escape unharmed and returned to its natural habitat.

Tensions over tranquiliser use

Before the rescue operation could begin, the landowner and local residents of Urangattiri, where the well is located, had raised concerns. They demanded an assurance that the elephant would be tranquilised and relocated to a deep forest area, citing previous damages to crops caused by elephants frequently visiting the region. The Nilambur DFO addressed these concerns, emphasising that tranquilising and relocating the elephant was not a simple process and required careful consideration.