Chilla: With the active support of the Uttaranchal Forest Department, WTI has been able to put into practice a schematic feeding schedule for the rescued elephant calf Mahesh Yogi at Rajaji National Park (RNP). Latest reports from WTI volunteer Ms. Kadambari, posted to assist the RNP staff in rearing the calf, say that the calf has adapted to the new feeding schedules.

Mahesh Yogi is all of three-months was found by RNP staff in Kansrao Range. He had been abandoned by his herd when he was rescued by RNP officials and taken to the park’s captive elephant camp at Chilla Range on April 28. The calf was named by the Uttaranchal minister for forests, Nav Prabhat, after a pandit (Hindu priest) was consulted who said that the name should begin with "Ma."

Though Yogi is still at sea with his new surroundings, he loves to inspect every person who comes near him. He sniffs you with his trunk, which is barely one foot-long. And when he gets hungry, he bumps his head between your legs to indicate that he is hungry and its time for

his next feed.

At the mahout’s quarters, the calf has been housed in an enclosure next to Arundati, Rajaji’s 60-year-old working elephant. Yogi often mistakes Arundati for his mother and tries to suckle her, with little luck.

On May 5, WTI Wild Rescue Team, led by Dr NVK Ashraf, visited the calf. Its health was good and it did not seem to be suffering from diarrhea, umbilical hernia or other such problems. He has a hearty appetite and the chances for its survival are high if his feeding is monitored constantly and he is given constant attention and care.

"Elephant calves drink 2-3 litres of milk at each feed and the frequency of feeding observed in the wild is once every 60-90 minutes. Keepers tend to ignore this and over-feed them at each feed so that they can have a longer break. This is something we will have to guard against for the calf’s welfare," Dr Ashraf said. He will be visiting the calf every month to ensure that it is in good health.