7-yr-old elephant dies of infection 22 days after rescue
Times of India | 11 March 2025
Siliguri: A seven-year-old female elephant, rescued near Bangdubi Army Camp in Bagdogra Range on Feb 14, died after a 22-day struggle with severe protozoan infection. Forest officials said that the calf's right hind leg and foreleg were affected by trypanosomiasis, although they were still awaiting confirmation from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). A four-member team of experts from Thailand had been trying to save the elephant since last week.
Trypanosomiasis affects joints, ligaments and organs, eventually leading to septicemia, and once an animal is affected by it, it's impossible to save it.
Kurseong DFO Devesh Pandey said: "The elephant passed away around 8.30 am on Monday. X-rays of the infected areas had been conducted to assess the extent of the disease, but no immediate danger was detected. However, cracks appeared in the bones, likely due to the weight on the legs." Pandey added that forest veterinarians and NGOs like SEF, SNAP and NWA had tried their best to save the animal. "SEF brought in experts from Thailand and SNAP Foundation supplied critical medicines. The Army also played a key role by providing logistical support," he added. Pandey described the struggle and eventual death as a learning experience.