ERNAKULAM: The injured wild elephant darted and brought to Kodanad Abhayaranyam from Athirappilly, has succumbed to its injuries. The elephant, which had a fatal wound on its head, died while undergoing treatment. The elephant was darted and brought for treatment. The doctor had said that there was only a 30 percent chance for the elephant to survive. The elephant's condition was very critical this morning. The infection in the wound had spread to its trunk.

The mission team was able to dart the elephant only after waiting for several days on Wednesday. The elephant was tranquilized by a team under the leadership of chief veterinary surgeon Dr Arun Zacharia. Drugs were injected then. Water was pumped to cool its body. It was lifted up with the help of Kumkis and taken to the animal ambulance and brought to Kodanad.

The wound on the elephant's head is about 30 cm deep. There was a lot of pus on the wound infected by worms. The injured wild elephant was found in the Plantation Corporation forests on January 11. The injury may have occurred in a clash between wild elephants. The elephant was darted on January 24 under the leadership of Dr Arun Zacharia, but the wound did not heal. A decision was taken to capture the elephant and treat when it became exhausted. After bringing the elephant to Abhayaranyam, medicines were given to help the wound heal. The elephant was housed in a specially prepared kraal.