Mayurbhanj, July 3: An elephant calf that had fallen in a canal was rescued safely after four hours of efforts by forest officials in Odisha's Betonati jungle today. 

According to the information, a herd of wild elephants was heading towards Asanabani village in search of food last night when a cub slipped into the Subarnarekha branch canal due to darkness. As the cub could not come out, other herd members trumpeted in agony. 

Hearing elephant's crying sound, villagers, Gaja Saathis and forest officials reached the spot and started a rescue operation. With help of a JCB, they first filled part of the canal. However, the guarding elephants attacked the JCB continuously. After four hours of risky efforts, the calf was rescued safely. 

The calf joined the herd and returned to the jungle. 

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