Baby elephant Molootty is happy, now under care at Kodanad Abhayaranyam

KOCHI: Molootty, an elephant calf barely 35 days old, was rescued by forest officials just hours after her birth. She is now under care at the rescue home in the Abhayaranyam Rescue Home in Kodanad and has been nicknamed "Molootty" by her caretakers.

The critical decision now is whether to transfer her to another elephant care camp or continue to keep her at Kodanad. A three-member expert committee has been appointed to make this decision.

The calf was found on the day of Good Friday near a culvert on the banks of the Periyar River, close to Abhayaranyam, in a trapped condition. It is believed that the newborn might have slipped and gotten stuck in the culvert while trying to stand and walk. The elephant herd, including the mother, retreated into the forest, unable to rescue the calf.

The forest department immediately provided emergency care. Only a veterinary doctor and two caretakers have direct access to the calf, who is kept in an enclosed room for safety and health monitoring.

The calf cannot be released back into the wild now. Authorities must decide whether to integrate her with the other seven elephants at Abhayaranyam or move her to another camp. Before that, proper care and rehabilitation must be ensured following wildlife protection protocols. The expert committee includes Dr. P.S. Easa, former scientist at the Wildlife Research Centre; Dr. Shyam, professor at the Veterinary University; and Dr. David, Assistant Veterinary Officer in the Forest Department.

Sleeping against the wall
Initially, Molootty was fed tender coconut water and Lactogen (a milk substitute). After one month, her diet now includes coconut milk, powdered arrowroot, and artificial supplements. She sleeps for long hours and is playful when awake. Normally, a calf would sleep leaning against the forelegs of its mother. Here, in the absence of her mother, Molootty sleeps leaning against the wall of her room.