Jumbo calf trapped in mud pit rescued after 12 hours (Balangir) Avinash Mohanty, The Times of India October 1, 2024 See link <http://Jumbo calf trapped in mud pit rescued after 12 hours (Balangir)> for photo. An elephant calf was successfully rescued after a 12-hour effort by the forest department, fire brigade, and local police on Monday. The young male calf, part of a herd of 20 elephants, had accidentally fallen into a muddy pit on Sunday night near Parlsinga-Saurapada road under Kesinga range of Kalahandi forest division (North). The incident was reported to the forest department by locals on Monday morning. Prabhati Seth, ranger of Kesinga range, led the rescue operation. With the help of the fire brigade and local police, a smooth ramp was dug near the pit using an excavator, allowing the exhausted elephant to climb out and rejoin its herd in the nearby Bajargarh forest. According to villagers, they armed themselves with lathis and fire and went to the location after hearing the distressed elephant’s trumpeting, only to find it trapped in the muddy pit. The accumulated rainwater in the ditch had made it slippery and difficult for the animal to escape, causing it to trumpet for help. The forest staff is currently monitoring and tracking the rescued elephant while also working to keep the herd away from human habitation. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/daring-12-hour-rescue-of-jumbo-elephant-calf-trapped-in-mud-pit/articleshow/113830276.cms