Bhunte and Sano are always very cautious when passing by human settlements. It is not just the roads that scare them, but also the walls, electric wires, and septic tanks! Recently, Bhunte heard about Mishti, a 20-day-old calf who had fallen into a septic tank (West Bengal). It wasn’t just the pain of the fall that frightened her; she also got separated from her mother. Mishti was terrified and distressed. She kept chirping and trumpeting loudly, calling out for help. Thankfully, some kind-hearted humans pulled her out of the septic tank. They smeared elephant dung on her, gave her an IV drip to rehydrate her, and left her at the edge of the forest (while still being around), hoping that her mother and aunts would come to find her.
Amidst the dense thickets, the forest echoed with loud rumbles and trumpets. Then, her mother appeared! The sounds were powerful enough to frighten even the bravest humans. But Mishti? She simply kept walking towards her mother. How could a child fear her own mother, even when she is the mightiest being in the world?
Her mother gently smelled her. The other aunts seemed reluctant to approach, perhaps sensing the unfamiliar human touch on Mishti. But finally, her mother wrapped her trunk around her little one, embraced her, and led her back into the thickets. Soon, only their rumbles and trumpets resonated through the forest.
Mishti was lucky. Not all calves are. Many elephant calves, and even adult elephants, die after falling into septic tanks. Bhunte and Sano will surely think twice before venturing into this human-made forest of dangers!
~Sanjeeta Hridayaninadini
As part of my Bhunte Initiative, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue and successful reunion of this young calf with her mother. I have named her Mishti. Thank you for your compassion, dedication, and timely efforts in ensuring her safety and reunion with her family.
And for the video of Mishti being rescued: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5oo3z3tcqI
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