Baby Elephant Calves Face Abandonment, Trigger Interstate Dispute Kerala, Karnataka

Recent births of baby elephants in conservation settings bring hope to efforts aimed at protecting endangered elephant species. A one-week-old Sumatran elephant calf born at Way Kambas National Park in Sumatra is thriving under the care of its mother, with park officials emphasizing the importance of minimal visitor disturbance to ensure proper rest and nursing. Meanwhile, in India, a three-month-old elephant calf that wandered into a Kerala school and later crossed into Karnataka highlights challenges linked to calf abandonment, which experts attribute to factors such as malnutrition, health issues, and shrinking herd structures lacking experienced matriarchs. Kerala and Karnataka forest officials are managing the calf's care amid interstate concerns, noting that healthy calves are typically not abandoned by their herds. Additionally, the Columbus Zoo celebrated the birth of a female Asian elephant calf, part of a Species Survival Plan to maintain genetic diversity, with public events and conservation fundraising supporting ongoing efforts. These stories collectively underscore both the successes and ongoing challenges in elephant conservation across different regions.