Munnar: An elephant calf that was found in a severely weakened state on a grassy slope in the Mattupetty Top Division has died despite efforts by forest officials and veterinarians to save it.

The Forest Department was alerted to the calf’s condition on Saturday morning. A Rapid Response Team was deployed to monitor the situation. Upon inspection, forest officials found the calf unable to stand or walk. Though initially thought to be a newborn, it was later determined to be a few days old and already in a state of decline.

Officials believe the mother elephant and another adult female had remained with the calf for some time before moving away. Once the elephants left, forest staff approached the calf and confirmed its critical condition. A veterinary team was called in and treatment was administered, but the calf did not survive. A necropsy will be conducted on Sunday to determine the exact cause of death, according to Forest Department sources.