ERNAKULAM: The health condition of the wild elephant brought to Kodanad from Athirappilly, remains the same. The doctors of the forest department said that there is still only a 30 percent chance of the elephant returning to its normal life.

The forest department said that it is a good sign that the elephant has started eating. It has started eating leaves and grass. The forest department said the elephant is remaining calm in a specially prepared cage. Dr Arun Zacharia will assess the elephant's health condition again today.

After waiting for several days, the mission team was able to dart the elephant, which had a wound on its head, at 7.15 am yesterday. The elephant was tranquilized by a team led by chief veterinary surgeon Dr Arun Zacharia.

Water was pumped to cool its body. The elephant was lifted up with the help of Kumki elephants and was taken to Kodanad in animal ambulance. The wound on the elephant's head is about 30 cm deep. The wound, which has been infected by worms, is full of pus.

The injured wild elephant was found in the plantation corporation forests on January 11. It is believed that the injury may have occurred in a clash between wild elephants. The elephant was darted on January 24th under the leadership of Dr. Arun Zacharia and treated, but the wound did not heal.

A decision was taken to capture the elephant found exhausted and treat. After being taken to Kodanad Kaprikkad Abhayaranyam in the afternoon, was given medicines to heal the wound. The elephant was shifted to a kraal made of eucalyptus trees. The mission was led by Vazhachal DFO R Lakshmi.