Coimbatore: Male wild jumbo from Kerala dies of sickness

Coimbatore: A sick male wild elephant that entered the Periyanaickenpalayam forest range in the Coimbatore forest division from neighbouring Kerala is said to have died on Tuesday evening.

According to Suresh, forest ranger, Coimbatore, a herd of wild elephants entered the Gopanari Pirivu reserve forest area on Tuesday noon.

A male elephant estimated to be around five-years-old, fell down close to the Koodapatti tribal settlement. On receiving information, a team of forest department officials along with Velliyankadu veterinary doctor, rushed to the spot.

The sick animal was unable to stand, and soon it was given medicines and drips. But, the animal died in the evening despite medical care.

The elephant was found to be weak and had lost weight considerably. It is suspected to have suffered severe stomach infection and eventually starved to death. An autopsy was conducted and later buried in the same area, added the official.