In an incredible rescue mission on Thursday, six elephants were saved after being trapped for nearly eight hours in a brick factory pit near the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Jorhat, Assam. The incident was discovered by locals who saw the elephants struggling to escape the deep pit. The forest department was alerted and quickly dispatched a rescue team. Using a JCB machine, they successfully pulled the elephants out without causing any injuries.
The elephants are believed to be part of a larger herd that accidentally wandered into human areas while searching for food and water. Anshuman Bhuyan, the Mariai range Forest ranger, stated, "Last night, a herd of wild elephants were playing in a water-filled pit dug by a brickfield owner in the Samtal area near the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. I got to know about the incident at around 4:30 a.m. There was a small calf among the rescued elephants. With the help of my staff and a JCB machine, we rescued the herd successfully. No elephant was injured."
A senior forest official emphasized the department's dedication to wildlife protection and urged residents to stay alert due to increased human-wildlife interactions caused by habitat encroachment. Efforts are ongoing to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to many animal species, including the endangered hoolock gibbon. In a related effort, a tusker from a herd of about 50 elephants was radio-collared in the Baksa district of Assam on November 19 as part of a project by the Assam Forest Department and Baksa Forest Division, with support from the District Administration and police.
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Assam, India, known for its rich biodiversity, including the hoolock gibbons, which are a type of small ape.
A brick pit is a large hole or excavation site where clay is dug up to make bricks. It can be dangerous for animals if they accidentally fall in.
A JCB machine is a type of heavy construction equipment, like a big digger, used to move earth or lift heavy things. It was used to help rescue the elephants.
A forest ranger is a person who works to protect forests and wildlife. They help manage natural resources and ensure the safety of animals and people.
Human-wildlife interactions occur when animals and people come into contact, often because animals are looking for food or water. This can sometimes lead to conflicts or accidents.
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