A wild elephant calf was rescued from Deepor Beel in Guwahati on Saturday, May 23, after it was separated from its herd while moving through the wetland area near Garbhanga forest.
According to the information available, a herd of wild elephants had entered the Deepor Beel area on Friday night, May 22, likely in search of food. While crossing the wetland, a young calf got stranded in the water and lost contact with the herd.
A wild elephant calf was rescued from Deepor Beel in Guwahati after it got separated from its herd during night movement from the nearby Garbhanga forest. Local fishermen spotted the stranded calf on Saturday morning and alerted authorities. Forest officials rescued the animal and are working to reunite it with its herd.
The calf was first spotted by local fishermen early in the morning. They immediately informed the authorities, following which a team from the Wildlife and Forest Department reached the spot and launched a rescue operation.
Forest officials safely rescued the calf from the middle of the beel. The animal is currently being looked after by forest personnel, and efforts are being made to reunite it with the herd.
Officials are planning to release the calf back into the forest area during the night, when the herd is expected to return near the Deepor Beel-Garbhanga corridor. Such reunification attempts are generally carried out carefully to avoid stress to the calf and reduce conflict risk with people nearby.
For Guwahati, the incident once again highlights the importance of the Deepor Beel-Garbhanga-Rani elephant movement zone. Elephants from the Rani-Garbhanga Reserve Forest are known to move towards Deepor Beel for water and food, crossing through areas close to human settlements, roads, and railway lines. Wildlife Trust of India has earlier noted that elephants from Rani-Garbhanga Reserve Forest move to Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, crossing the railway stretch between Azara and Kamakhya stations.
Deepor Beel is one of Guwahati’s most important ecological zones and Assam’s only Ramsar site. It supports birds, fish, wetland biodiversity, and wildlife movement, while also remaining closely linked to the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
The rescue also shows the role of local residents and fishermen in wildlife protection. Their quick alert helped authorities reach the spot and prevent the calf from remaining stranded for a longer period.
Elephant movement around Deepor Beel has been a recurring concern for Guwahati’s western and southern fringe areas. Earlier this year, a wild elephant reportedly entered the Boragaon area after descending from the Garbhanga forest, crossing Deepor Beel, and reaching the Swahid Smarak Kshetra premises.
The area has also been sensitive because of railway-track crossings and past risks to elephants. Conservation groups and authorities have previously stressed night patrolling and coordination near Deepor Beel to prevent train-elephant collisions.
The next step will be monitoring the rescued calf and attempting a safe reunion with its herd. For Guwahati, the incident matters because it reflects the delicate balance between urban expansion, wetland protection, and wildlife corridors around Deepor Beel.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Wild elephant calf rescued |
| Location | Deepor Beel, Guwahati |
| Date | May 23 |
| Herd movement | From Garbhanga forest area |
| First spotted by | Local fishermen |
| Rescue team | Wildlife and Forest Department |
| Current status | Calf under forest officials’ care |
| Next step | Effort to reunite calf with herd at night |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the elephant calf rescued in Guwahati?
The elephant calf was rescued from Deepor Beel in Guwahati after it got stranded in the wetland while moving with its herd.
How did the calf get separated from the herd?
The calf reportedly got stranded in the water while the herd was crossing Deepor Beel after moving out from the nearby Garbhanga forest area at night.
Who alerted the authorities?
Local fishermen spotted the stranded calf early in the morning and alerted the authorities, after which Forest Department officials reached the spot.
What will happen to the rescued elephant calf?
Forest officials are looking after the calf and are making efforts to reunite it with its herd, likely by releasing it into the forest area at night when the herd is expected to return.