Full Breakdown
Fishermen and Forest Officials Rescue Newborn Elephant Calf from West Bengal’s Teesta River
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Rescue Operation Details
On a Monday in early September 2026, five local fishermen—Bablu Das, Mithun Das, Kader Das, Biswanath and Gopal—spotted a newborn elephant calf struggling in the swollen Teesta River near the Gajoldoba barrage, Jalpaiguri district. The calf, about three to four days old, had been separated from its herd as five elephants crossed the river. The fishermen maneuvered their row-boat against strong currents; three entered the water to pull the calf aboard and pushed the boat toward shore. The animal was handed to forest personnel on the bank.
Background & Context: Herd Movement and River Conditions
The Baikunthapur forest division monitors wildlife in the region’s forest and riverine habitats. During the incident a herd of five elephants was moving upstream across the Teesta near the Gajoldoba Barrage. Seasonal flooding had raised water levels, creating rapid currents that can separate calves from mothers. An earlier calf rescued from the Mechi River was reportedly rejected by its herd, highlighting the sensitivity of prolonged human exposure for orphaned elephants.
Key Figures & Groups
- Bablu Das, Mithun Das, Kader Das, Biswanath, Gopal – Fishermen who performed the rescue.
- Mudit Kumar Verma – IFS Deputy Forest Officer, Baikunthapur division, who coordinated veterinary care and reunification.
- Parveen Kaswan – IFS officer who documented the rescue on social media.
- Supriya Sahu – IAS officer who shared a video of the rescue on X.
- Baikunthapur Forest Division – State forest department unit responsible for wildlife protection.
Timeline
- Monday (early September 2026) – Herd crosses the Teesta; calf becomes separated.
- Shortly after – Fishermen spot the calf near Spur 12 of the Teesta and begin the rescue.
- Following the rescue – Calf is taken to the Kathambari range office for veterinary care.
- Two-hour period – Officials, residents, and the fishermen locate the herd on a dry riverbed, transport the calf across the barrage, and reunite it with the mother.
Data & Statistics
- Rescuers: Five fishermen.
- Calf age: Approximately three to four days.
- Distance downstream: Reported as 3–5 km by various outlets.
- Effort duration: About two hours from rescue to reunion.
Official Statements & Responses
Baikunthapur DFO Mudit Kumar Verma praised the fishermen’s “timely action,” noting its importance for the successful reunion. Forest officials emphasized minimizing human exposure to avoid herd rejection, referencing the Mechi River case. IAS officer Supriya Sahu highlighted the “courage, compassion and quick thinking” of those involved.
Why It Matters: Conservation and Community Collaboration
The rescue shows how local communities can aid wildlife protection in flood-prone river corridors. Prompt intervention prevented the calf from drowning and facilitated rapid reunification, reducing the risk of herd rejection. The coordinated response between forest officials and residents offers a model for other human-wildlife interfaces.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact downstream distance: *Times of India* and *Economic Times* cite “nearly 4 km,” *India Today* mentions “nearly 5 km,” while *Deccan Chronicle* reports “nearly three kilometres.” No source provides precise GPS coordinates or a post-rescue health assessment beyond “immediate veterinary care.”
What's Next
Forest officials will monitor the herd’s movements during the monsoon season to ensure the calf’s safety; no specific dates or actions were detailed.