Overview

• The calf fell into a deep muddy pit on June 3 while its herd was drinking and bathing near Chilkaguda village
• Forest department staff and villagers used shovels to level the pit’s edges before a JCB machine created a gentle slope to free the calf
• Once on solid ground, the elephant calf approached the JCB and gently touched it with its trunk in apparent gratitude
• A video of the operation has drawn over 59,000 views and widespread emotional reactions on social media
• Observers praised the joint effort of locals and forest officials and called attention to wildlife conservation in Raigarh district