Water Tank in Coimbatore Becomes Rescue Site as Elephant Calf Saved After Hours
Water tank in Coimbatore turned into the centre of a tense rescue operation after a young wild elephant calf accidentally fell into a deep drinking water tank inside a private estate in the Valparai region of Coimbatore district. The incident took place within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve area and lasted for more than seven hours, ending with the calf being rescued safely and reunited with its mother.
The calf, estimated to be three to four years old, slipped into a concrete water tank measuring around 12 feet deep during the early hours of the morning. The tank had nearly eight feet of water at the time of the fall, raising immediate concern about the animal’s safety. Estate workers first noticed something unusual after hearing continuous trumpeting sounds coming from the forested area near the tank.
Water tank in Coimbatore rescue tested forest response
Forest officials said the mother elephant remained near the tank throughout the entire rescue operation. Another adult female elephant was also present and refused to leave the spot, creating a tense situation for the rescue team. The presence of the elephants required careful planning to ensure both human safety and minimal stress to the animals.
The mother elephant was seen repeatedly trying to reach the calf using her trunk, showing visible signs of distress. Officials monitored the situation closely before initiating the rescue, as any sudden movement could have provoked the elephants and worsened the situation.
Water tank in Coimbatore highlights coordination challenges
The incident occurred around 6 am, but reaching the site itself was a challenge. The water tank was located deep inside the estate, with no proper road access. Forest department staff had to clear bushes and vegetation for nearly 1.5 kilometres to bring rescue equipment to the location.
An Anti-Depredation Squad and field staff were deployed immediately. An earthmover was brought in after careful assessment to avoid alarming the elephants. The first step taken by the team was to drain the water from the tank to reduce the calf’s distress and prevent exhaustion.
Once the water level was reduced, the rescue team decided against pulling the calf out directly, which could have caused injuries. Instead, they chose a safer method by partially breaking one side of the concrete wall of the tank. Soil was then filled inside to create a gentle slope, allowing the calf to climb out naturally.
Throughout the operation, forest officials maintained a safe distance and ensured that the mother elephant could see the calf at all times. This approach helped keep the adult elephants calm and prevented aggressive behaviour.
Water tank in Coimbatore rescue ends without injury
After hours of careful effort, the calf managed to walk out of the tank on its own around 1.30 pm. As soon as it emerged, it moved quickly towards its mother and joined the herd without showing any signs of injury or weakness. Forest staff had first-aid kits and medicines ready as a precaution, but no medical intervention was required.
Officials confirmed that the calf was unhurt and resumed normal movement with the herd. The rescue team observed the animals from a distance to ensure there were no complications before leaving the site.
Water tank in Coimbatore raises safety concerns
The incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by open water tanks in forest-adjacent estates. Such structures, often built for agricultural or estate use, can become accidental traps for wildlife moving through the area. Forest officials have advised estate owners to install protective barriers or covers around water tanks to prevent similar incidents.
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While the rescue ended positively, officials stressed the need for better coordination between estate management and forest authorities. Preventive measures, rather than emergency responses, are seen as the most effective way to reduce human-wildlife conflict in sensitive regions like Valparai. Also Read: Tribal Dept to Team Up With Global Chess Body to Reshape Learning in Schools in 2026
Conclusion
Water tank in Coimbatore became the scene of a rare and intense wildlife rescue that ended safely due to careful planning and patience. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for safer infrastructure in forest areas to protect both animals and people.
