Forest rangers in Gudalur, southern India, are increasingly worried about the female elephant, which has refused to eat and stands guarding her baby. Rangers say it shows the deep bond between mother and child elephants
Heartbreaking pictures show an elephant who refuses to leave her dead calf’s corpse – refusing food and charging at anyone who tries to come near.
The mum has stayed put for four days after the youngster was killed after getting stuck in a swap.
Staff at the Gudalur forest range in Tamil Nadu, southern India, are becoming increasingly worried about the elephant, who has demonstrated her deep emotional bond with the deceased child.
Forest range officer G. Ramakrishnan said he had never seen an animal remain at their dead calf’s side so long.
He said: “I have seen many instances where the mother safeguards the carcass for a period of time.
“But, usually, they move away after a couple of days when the body starts decomposing.”
And district forest officer Sumesh Soman said concerns are now growing for the mum, as it is not clear if she has eaten anything since the cub died.
Experts say it shows the strength of the bond between mother and child (file image)(Image: Getty Images)