Thrissur: The Kerala forest department has decided to treat the elephant that was found to have head injuries. The photo of the jumbo with an oozing wound was first reported in the media.

Chief Veterinary Surgeon Dr Arun Zachariyah, along with a 20-member team, will arrive in Athirappilly on Wednesday. Treatment will begin after the elephant is captured using 'kumkis' (trained jumbos), an official said, citing the order issued by the chief wildlife warden.

The injured elephant was found in the Ezhattumukham area. The plan is to tranquillize it and capture it for treatment with the help of trained elephants. Veterinary doctors are observing the elephant in the Kalady Second Block Plantation area.

Since the location lies at the border of the Thrissur and Ernakulam districts, the operations are being carried out under the supervision of DFOs from Vazhachal, Chalakudy, and Malayattoor regions.