An elephant calf expresses gratitude after being rescued from a mud pit in Raigarh

Raigarh, June 5, 2025.

in Raigarh district's Gharghoda forest, an elephant calf expressed gratitude after being rescued from a deep mud pit by Forest Department personnel. The incident, which occurred earlier today, has gone viral on social media, touching hearts across the country. The calf fell into a muddy pit while attempting to follow its herd through a dense forest. Locals discovered the trapped elephant and alerted forest officials, who arrived swiftly with a rescue crew and the necessary equipment.

The calf had fallen into a muddy pit while attempting to follow its herd through a deep forest. Locals spotted the trapped elephant and called forest officials, who arrived immediately with a rescue team and the appropriate equipment. After several hours of painstaking effort, the team successfully extracted the juvenile elephant using ropes and earth-moving machines, all while assuring the animal's safety. What occurred next made everyone emotional. Despite its exhaustion and filth, the rescued calf approached the forest personnel and delicately touched one of them with its trunk, as if in gratitude. The poignant exchange was captured on video, with the calf remaining close the rescuers before gradually moving away to rejoin its herd, which was waiting at a safe distance. Forest Ranger Anil Kumar, who spearheaded the rescue, stated, "We frequently encounter such incidents, but this one was unique. The calf's reaction made us all feel emotional. It appeared to recognise that we were there to aid." The rescue operation demonstrates not only the dedication of forest officials, but also the need of protecting wildlife habitats. Such incidents are frequently caused by human activity and deforestation, emphasising the importance of conservation efforts. 

As the video of the calf's touching act spreads online, many people have complimented the Forest Department's promptness and compassion. On a day when the globe commemorates globe Environment Day, the incident serves as a wonderful reminder of the relationship between humans and wildlife—and the need of living in peace with environment.