CHALAKUDY: A trunkless young elephant is now a painful sight in Athirapilly. The unhealthy condition of this animal, which was seen in the forest area of Ezhattumukham forest region last day, has also saddened the group of elephant enthusiasts. The shape of the baby elephant had no such problems when it was first seen seven months ago.

It is the fourth time people are seeing it and it appears tired. It is evident that the weaning period has been over as it was seen without the mother. A baby will continue to nurse until it is five or six years old. It is also uncertain whether breast-feeding has stopped abruptly due to its abnormal condition. However, veterinary surgeons estimate that the trunkless baby elephant is four years old. Forest guards also say that adult elephants will not abandon the disabled ones and will adjust to the limitations over time.

An elephant is unable to eat all the food in the forest like other animals. Grass is the only refuge. This will also be challenging once it becomes older. If it is a male elephant, its life will be tough. This is the concern of elephant enthusiasts. There was a cut at the top of the trunk, possibly a birth defect or some sort of accident.