Twenty-four people who took part in rescuing an elephant calf from the Teesta River in the Indian state of West Bengal have received the “Gaja Mitra” (“friend of elephants”) award. The ceremony took place on 7 October in Siliguri, during Wildlife Week.
The rescue happened on 21 September, when the calf was swept away by the current. Five fishermen reacted immediately and, working with the Forest Department and other frontline staff, managed to get it out of the water and reunite it with its mother and herd.
Those honoured include forest staff, the fishermen and the Teesta Barrage gateman. One of the fishermen, Bablu Das, said they felt it was their duty to help the calf, which, just like a child, was looking for its mother.
The event was organised by the Wildlife Trust of India with the Baikanthapur Forest Division and the local Nature and Wildlife Association, and included a session on reducing conflict between people and elephants.
