Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

Tragic Loss: Baby Elephant Dies at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a nine-month-old she elephant, orphaned at just two months old, passed away at Theppakkadu elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve due to a rare intestinal disorder called Intussusception. The young calf, who lost her mother at a very young age, struggled with undernourishment before being brought to the camp for care on March 9.

Despite the forest department’s efforts to nurse her back to health, the baby elephant’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to her untimely demise. Intussusception, a condition where one segment of the intestine slides into the next, is a complex and often fatal issue, especially in young animals like this calf.

Following her passing, a postmortem examination was conducted by veterinary assistant surgeons to determine the cause of death. Unfortunately, the results were inconclusive, leaving the team to speculate that it may have been a congenital defect that led to the intestinal disorder.

The loss of this baby elephant has left a somber mood at the elephant camp, where caretakers had grown attached to the resilient calf. Despite their best efforts, nature had other plans for this young soul, reminding us of the fragility of life in the wild.

As we mourn the passing of this precious elephant, let us remember her spirit and the impact she had on those who cared for her. May her memory live on in the hearts of all who knew her, a gentle reminder of the bond between humans and wildlife in our shared ecosystem.

What led to the death of the nine-month-old she elephant?

The nine-month-old she elephant died due to an intestinal disorder called Intussusception. This disorder is a condition where one segment of the intestine slides into the next, much like the pieces of a telescope. It can be a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly.

The forest department officer mentioned that the elephant was brought to Theppakkadu elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve six months ago. The animal was underweight and in poor health when it arrived at the camp. Despite the efforts of the caretakers, the calf could not overcome the effects of losing its mother at a young age.

One possible reason for the intussusception could be a congenital defect, according to the officer. This means that the elephant may have been born with a predisposition to the condition, making it more susceptible to developing intestinal problems.

In the wee hours of Thursday, the elephant succumbed to this condition, despite the best efforts of the veterinary team at the camp. The loss of such a young animal is always tragic, especially considering the circumstances of its arrival at the camp.

How did the health of the elephant progress during its time at the camp?

The elephant’s health slowly improved under the care of the forest department and the veterinary team at the camp. Despite being underweight and malnourished when it arrived, the elephant showed signs of recovery over the six-month period it spent at Theppakkadu elephant camp.

The caretakers provided the elephant with the necessary nutrition and medical attention to help it regain strength and vitality. However, the underlying health issues, possibly stemming from the early loss of its mother, proved to be too much for the young calf to overcome.

The postmortem examination conducted on the elephant revealed the extent of the intestinal disorder and confirmed the cause of death. The veterinary assistant surgeons K Rajesh Kumar Theppakadu and Pavithra from the animal husbandry department in Masinagudi carried out the examination to understand the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s demise.

What measures were taken after the elephant’s death?

After the postmortem examination was completed, the forest department decided to burn the elephant’s carcass. This is a common practice in such cases to prevent the spread of diseases and to dispose of the remains in a safe and hygienic manner.

Burning the carcass helps to reduce the risk of contamination and minimizes the impact on the surrounding environment. It also ensures that other animals in the area are not exposed to any potential health hazards that may be present in the remains of the deceased elephant.

The decision to burn the carcass was made to safeguard the health and well-being of the other animals in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and to prevent any further complications that could arise from leaving the remains untreated.

Sources:
– The New Indian Express