KOCHI: The timely intervention from forest officials saved a wild elephant from becoming a victim of human cruelty. On Wednesday, a 40-year-old female elephant was found crippled with a sharp iron rod piercing her left front leg. The rescue mission was conducted in the Mekkappala Karnoor area of Kodanad.

Two days ago, the patrolling team of the forest department noticed that the elephant in the seven-member herd was limping without being able to put its feet on the ground. The Chief Wildlife Warden ordered to tranquillize the giant and then conduct treatment.

A special task force reached the spot on Tuesday but could not drug the injured elephant as other elephants were stationed near it. The mission was successful yesterday morning after chasing away the other elephants. A 5-inch-long barbed iron rod was surgically removed from the leg of a drugged elephant.

According to forest officials, these iron rods are traps set up by locals to prevent elephants from venturing into their habitat. Earlier, it was noticed by the forest department that iron bars were placed in the area of ​​the resort and concreted on the floor to trap elephants. It was later removed.

The injured elephant was rescued because it was noticed by the forest guards at the right time. After treatment, the elephant woke up from her slumber and went into the forest.

Veterinary surgeons Dr. Binoy C. Babu, Dr. David Abraham, and Dr. R Raj were involved in the mission.