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Elephant Calf Found Dead Near Coimbatore’s Madukkarai; Carnivore Attack Suspected

SimpliCity News Team · 23 Sept 2026

Coimbatore: An elephant calf that entered the Madukkarai Forest Range in Coimbatore along with a herd from Kerala has died, with a preliminary Forest Department report suggesting that the calf may have succumbed to injuries sustained in an attack by a carnivorous wild animal.

The calf was found dead in the Cholakkarai forest area under the Madukkarai Forest Range of the Coimbatore Forest Division, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, on September 23.

Recently, a video showing three female elephants alongside the calf near a waterhole in the Puthupathi section of the Navakkarai division was widely shared on social media. The calf’s adorable moments captured public attention and touched the hearts of many wildlife enthusiasts.

On September 18, at around 10.30 am, a herd of four elephants, comprising three female elephants and one calf, crossed from the Kerala forest area into Tamil Nadu and entered the Puthupathi section of the Navakkarai division under the Madukkarai Forest Range.

Forest officials noticed that the calf had sustained an injury to its hind leg and was struggling to walk. Following instructions from the Coimbatore District Forest Officer, a team led by the Madukkarai Range Forest Officer began continuously monitoring the calf’s health and movements.

From September 18 to 22, the calf was monitored by a special Forest Department team during the daytime, while advanced drone cameras were used for surveillance at night.

Forest officials attempted to approach the calf to provide treatment. However, the three female elephants accompanying it surrounded the calf and prevented anyone from approaching.

On the night of September 22, drone surveillance revealed that the calf remained motionless in one place, while the other elephants nearby had moved away.

Following this, on the morning of September 23, a team led by the Madukkarai Range Forest Officer visited the location and confirmed that the calf had died.

On the orders of the District Forest Officer, a post-mortem examination was conducted on the calf in the presence of the Coimbatore Assistant Conservator of Forests, officials from the Forest Crime Control Wing, the Coimbatore Forest Division veterinarian, the Ettimadai Assistant Veterinary Doctor, and representatives of voluntary organisations, including WNCT, WWF-India and Osai.

During the post-mortem examination, deep puncture wounds were found on various parts of the calf’s body. Based on the nature of the injuries and the examination, the Forest Department’s preliminary report stated that the calf may have died after being attacked by a carnivorous wild animal in the forest.

Coimbatore Madukkarai Elephant Calf Death Forest Department Anamalai Tiger Reserve Wildlife Elephant Conservation Kerala Carnivore Attack

Elephant Calf Found Dead Near Coimbatore’s Madukkarai; Carnivore Attack Suspected

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