A pair of fishermen on the Teesta River near Malbazar pulled a distressed elephant calf from the current after spotting it drifting downstream on September 21, 2026. The men steered their boat toward the animal, ignoring the river's swift current and the risk to their own safety. They followed the calf for almost three kilometres, keeping it within sight as it was carried by the river's pull.
At Spur Number 12, they hauled the calf onto the shore, where it was visibly shaken but alive. The fishermen immediately contacted the local forest department.
A team of wildlife officers arrived within minutes and confirmed the calf was reunited with its mother, who had been searching along the banks. The forest department will monitor the calf for the next month to ensure it acclimates to the riverbank and remains safe. Officials said the rescue underscores the need for better riverbank security.
State officials praised the fishermen’s quick action; the incident has prompted local NGOs to call for better wildlife rescue training for fisherfolk.
The video of the rescue has gone viral, drawing attention to the plight of wildlife in West Bengal’s river ecosystems.