Tragedy struck the lush green Maryview Tea Garden in Naxalbari on Saturday morning when the lifeless body of a two-month-old elephant calf was found lying in one corner of the estate. Forest officials suspect that the young elephant may have died after being accidentally crushed under the feet of its own herd. However, the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem examination.
Kurseong Division DFO Debesh Pandey said, “On Friday night, a group of elephants entered the Maryview Tea Garden area from the Bagdogra forest. It is estimated that while the herd was moving, the elephant calf was accidentally trampled. However, the autopsy report is awaited to determine the exact reason.”
According to local sources, some tea garden workers heard loud trumpeting sounds late on Friday night as the herd entered the garden. One of the workers recalled, “I woke up to the elephants’ cries in the middle of the night. In the morning, I saw the baby elephant lying lifeless behind a tea bush.”
Forest department personnel reached the spot on Saturday morning and recovered the body. Preliminary investigation revealed deep injury marks on the calf’s body. Officials believe that the animal might have been trapped and crushed amid the movement of the herd after they wandered into the garden.
A forest official explained, “This season, elephant herds often enter tea gardens and nearby villages in search of food. Locals sometimes try to chase them away with lights or loud noises, which can agitate the animals. That’s when such unfortunate accidents occur.”
Following the incident, the forest department has urged residents to remain alert and avoid entering tea gardens if elephant movements are suspected at night.
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