Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: Shambhu, a six-month-old elephant calf housed at the Chandaka Elephant Training Centre in Khurda district, passed away on Tuesday morning, leaving forest officials and caretakers deeply saddened. The calf had been under continuous medical supervision after sustaining a serious injury to its right hind leg.

According to reports, Shambhu was first spotted writhing in pain inside an abandoned well in the Sukdola forest area of Keonjhar district on November 24. Acting swiftly, forest department personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the calf using a JCB machine before releasing it back into the forest.

However, efforts to reunite the calf with its mother and herd proved unsuccessful, as it was not accepted by them. Following repeated attempts, forest officials shifted the calf to the Padampur Elephant Training Centre on December 1, where it was named “Shambhu.” To ensure specialised care and training, the calf was later moved to the Chandaka Elephant Training Centre on December 14 for kumki training along with seven other elephants.

Despite receiving dedicated care, Shambhu suddenly fell ill on Monday and collapsed on Tuesday morning. Veterinarians were immediately called in, but despite all efforts by forest staff and doctors, the young calf succumbed to its injuries, bringing a tragic end to a story that had touched many hearts.

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