Wild elephant injured after falling from hill

A wild elephant was critically injured after falling from an approximately 200-foot-high hill in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf upazila yesterday.

The incident occurred around 3:00pm in Naittongpara area under Teknaf municipality.

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According to the Forest Department, the elephant was feeding on vegetation on a hillside when it slipped on rain-softened soil and tumbled down the steep slope. The fall left the animal critically injured and unable to stand.

Local residents who witnessed the incident immediately informed the Forest Department.

Forest officials rushed to the scene and, along with veterinarians from Teknaf Upazila Livestock Veterinary Hospital, began administering emergency treatment, said Md Monirul Islam, assistant conservator of forests for Teknaf and Ukhiya.

“The elephant fell from an estimated height of 200 feet. The upazila’s assistant livestock officer and a veterinary surgeon from Dulahazara Safari Park are treating it at the site. It has sustained two major abdominal injuries and is unable to move its hind legs,” Monirul said.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Anik Chowdhury also visited the site.  Monirul expressed hope that the elephant would recover if it receives intensive care and close monitoring over the next several days.