Female elephant rescued after getting stuck in mud at Gunderi­pallam dam in Erode

A 40-year-old female elephant that got stuck in mud in the backwaters of Gund­eripallam dam near Gobichettipalayam in Erode district on Saturday night was rescued by Forest personnel on Sunday (October 11).However, the animal was unable to stand after being extricated from the mud and was being treated by a team of veterinarians.The water level at the dam, located near the T.N. Palayam forest area, has fallen considerably. Wild elephants and other animals regularly visit the backwater area in search of water. The elephant is suspected to have strayed into a muddy part while moving with its herd.The animal was noticed by passersby around 5.30 a.m. on Sunday. They alerted the Forest Department, following which T.N. Palayam forest range officials, Forest personnel and members of the Sathyamangalam Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the spot.The rescue operation was launched using ropes and an earthmover, which, however, also got stuck in the mud while personnel were attempting to reach the elephant, complicating the operation.After much effort, the elephant was pulled out of the mud, but it was unable to stand following the rescue. A veterinary team from Sathyamangalam was called in to provide treatment and assess the animal’s condition.Forest personnel were monitoring the elephant, and further treatment would be provided based on its condition, according to sources. Published - October 11, 2026 06:47 pm IST