Fishermen Rescue Elephant Calf Swept Away in Teesta River

Fishermen rescued an elephant calf after it was swept away by the strong current of the Teesta River in West Bengal and later helped facilitate its reunion with its mother.

The incident took place near the Malbazar subdivision, around the No. 12 spur area of the Teesta River. Fishermen who were on the river noticed the calf struggling in the strong current as it was being carried downstream.

After spotting the animal, the fishermen followed it in their boat for several kilometres through the fast-flowing river. They eventually reached the calf and pulled it safely onto the boat before bringing it to the riverbank. Reports put the distance covered during the pursuit at around three to four kilometres.

The fishermen then informed the local forest department and handed the rescued calf over to forest officials. The animal was taken under the supervision of the Kathambari forest range.

Forest department personnel subsequently worked to locate the calf's mother and reunite the two. Reports said the mother eventually accepted the calf, after which the animal returned towards the herd.

A video of the rescue has also circulated online, showing the fishermen with the rescued calf after it was brought to safety.

The incident highlights the risks wildlife can face in fast-flowing rivers and the role of local residents and forest officials in responding to wildlife emergencies.