Dramatic Two-Day Rescue Operation Saves Trapped Elephant
In an extraordinary wildlife rescue mission that captured public attention, a 12-year-old elephant trapped in a canal at Shivanasamudra in Karnataka's Mandya district was successfully saved after a two-day operation involving more than 100 forest department personnel. The massive rescue effort culminated on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, when the exhausted animal was finally lifted to safety using specialized equipment and careful sedation techniques.
How the Elephant Became Trapped
The drama began on Sunday when the wild elephant ventured into a canal connected to a private power generation facility to drink water. The steep walls and strong currents of the canal proved impossible to overcome, leaving the animal stranded despite its repeated attempts to escape. The location presented significant challenges for rescuers, with the canal walls being too vertical for the elephant to climb and water currents too powerful for it to swim against effectively.
Initial rescue attempts on Monday had to be abandoned when forest department officials encountered dangerously high water levels at the dam. The team was forced to regroup and develop an entirely new strategy, working through the night to implement measures that would lower the water level to safer conditions for both the elephant and rescue personnel.
The Complex Rescue Operation Unfolds
On Tuesday morning, the rescue mission resumed with renewed determination. A hydraulic crane was specially transported from Bengaluru to assist in the delicate operation. The effort was led by Raghu D, Deputy Conservator of Forests of Mandya, and Prabhugoud I B, Deputy Conservator of Forests from Mysuru, who coordinated the large team of experts and volunteers.
Complications emerged as officials discovered the elephant had developed a fungal infection on its trunk during its three-day ordeal in the water. The depth of the canal - approximately 60 feet - made direct lifting impossible without risking further injury to the animal. The rescue team faced the additional challenge of ensuring the elephant didn't suffocate during the extraction process.
Veterinarians Dr. Ramesh and Dr. Adarsh prepared a carefully calculated sedative dose for the massive animal. After providing sufficient food to the stressed elephant, the tranquilliser was administered. When the animal reached a semi-conscious state, rescuers sent a closed container into the canal and workers carefully secured the elephant with specialized belts and ropes before the crane began the delicate lifting process.
Successful Recovery and Release
Following the successful extraction, the elephant was immediately transported to the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary near Shivanasamudra for emergency medical care. Veterinary teams conducted thorough health assessments and monitored the animal's vital signs closely. Once stable conditions were confirmed, an antidote was administered to reverse the anaesthesia effects.
In a heartwarming conclusion to the tense rescue operation, local forest officials reported that the elephant began grazing within 20-30 meters of where it was released into the forest habitat, showing positive signs of recovery and adaptation back into its natural environment. The successful outcome demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated wildlife rescue efforts and the dedication of India's forest department personnel.
