Jamshedpur: A seven-month-old elephant calf has arrived at Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, adding a new attraction for visitors and a fresh responsibility for forest officials.Named Shekhar, the calf was brought to Dalma on Monday after repeated attempts to reunite him with his herd in Gumla failed.Shekhar was rescued from the Basia forest under Gumla forest division after he was found separated from the herd. Forest officials made two attempts in the past fortnight to return him to the group, but both proved unsuccessful.Dalma DFO Saba Alam Ansari said reuniting a separated calf with its original herd can be difficult, as elephants may sometimes refuse to accept a youngster that has been away from them.“The calf got separated from the herd in the Basia forest area twice in the last two weeks. On both occasions, efforts were made to reunite him with the herd, but they proved futile,” Ansari said.Following the failed attempts, the division coordinated with Dalma authorities to shift Shekhar to the sanctuary. He will now be cared for alongside resident elephants Rajni and Badal.The calf made an energetic debut at his new home, keeping forest personnel on their toes as he explored the unfamiliar surroundings and resisted attempts to handle him. Staff eventually managed to secure him and feed him with the help of Rajni’s mahout.Officials said Shekhar also has an injury to a leg, believed to have occurred while he was roaming in the forest. Veterinary personnel examined him soon after his arrival and administered treatment.Forest officials are hopeful that Dalma’s natural surroundings and dedicated care will help the calf settle in.Rajni was rescued from a pit near Pilid village in Seraikela-Kharsawan district and brought to Dalma in 2010. Badal was shifted to the sanctuary in 2025 after being rescued from Porahat forest in West Singhbhum.
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