Manas
Forest worker Adhar Das caters to their needs, providing them with regular feedings and ensuring their hygiene with daily baths.

Pathsala: Nestled within the sprawling wilderness of Manas National Park in Assam’s Baksa district, a heartwarming story unfolds. Adhar Das, a dedicated forest worker, tirelessly cares for four elephant calves separated from their mothers during recent floods.

These vulnerable youngsters, ranging from a mere 15 days to two years old, hail from various locations including Biswanath Chariali, Bogamati in Baksa and Raimona National Park in Chirang district.

The youngest, aptly named Lucky, miraculously survived being swept away by the Aie River’s floodwaters in Chirang. The forest department is yet to christen the other calves.

Das has fostered a remarkable bond with these orphans. He attentively caters to their needs, providing them with regular feedings and ensuring their hygiene with daily baths. The calves, in turn, have grown to recognize and trust their caretaker, responding positively to his presence.

Meanwhile, under the watchful eye of Dr. Prabhat Basumatary, the forest department is providing vital medical care to ensure the calves’ well-being.

Their ultimate goal is to nurture these young elephants until they can confidently navigate the wild on their own and rejoin their natural habitat.

Sasanka Talukdar is Northeast Now Correspondent in Pathsala. He can be reached at: [email protected]