Shobhakali adopts baby wild elephant found in KTWR

By Jaya Krishna Yadav,Inaruwa, Dec. 14: A rare incident occurred at the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, where a baby wild elephant was found and adopted by a domestic elephant named Shobhakali. This event has brought joy to the reserve’s administration and staff.

The baby elephant, believed to have been abandoned or separated from its herd, was found a few days ago. Initially, the reserve was concerned about the challenges of raising the calf. However, Shobhakali, a mother elephant in the reserve’s elephant shelter, raised the wild calf as her own, providing care and comfort.

The baby elephant was part of a herd of 21 wild elephants that had recently migrated to the area. Locals discovered the calf, a female, in a paddy field in Belka Municipality-3 of Budhbare, Udayapur, on December 7. They informed the reserve, which promptly rescued the calf. 

According to Senior Conservation Officer Ramdev Chaudhary, the calf has been named Upahar Kali, following the tradition of naming female elephants with the name “Kali” and male elephants with “Raj.” The calf is estimated to be about 50 days old.

Shobhakali’s acceptance of the wild calf has alleviated the reserve’s concerns. She has been providing maternal care and the calf is now thriving under her protection. The reserve feeds the baby elephant powdered and skimmed milk, similar to what is used for human infants.

The reserve currently houses 18 elephants and with the addition of Upahar Kali, the total count has reached 19. The rescued calf is temporarily being kept at the reserve’s Bhagalpur Post in Saptari and will be transferred to the main elephant shelter on December 16.

The discovery of the baby elephant has drawn significant public attention. Locals are visiting the reserve in large numbers to see the calf and take selfies. This incident highlights the reserve's ongoing efforts to protect and conserve wildlife in the Koshi Tappu region.

The reserve administration is optimistic about the calf’s future and views this event as a testament to the bond between humans and wildlife in ensuring conservation and care for animals in need.