Female elephant carcass found in Deogarh forest, death likely natural
A female elephant carcass found in Deogarh’s Jharaberni Khesra forest is suspected to have died of natural causes, with samples sent for lab confirmation.
A female elephant, estimated to be between nine and ten years old, was found dead in the Jharaberni Khesra forest close to Jharaberni village in Deogarh district on Friday night, according to forest officials who announced the discovery on Saturday. The carcass was first noticed by Kundheigola forester, who alerted the authorities at 10.35 pm today. In response, the assistant conservator of forests (administration), the Riamal range officer, members of the forest staff, a rapid response team and the local forest squad proceeded to the location and secured the remains. The rapid response team and forest squad guarded the carcass upon arrival.
Officials and veterinary personnel arrived at the scene the following morning to conduct an initial inspection. They observed that the animal had likely been deceased for about ten days based on its condition. The elephant’s age was assessed from dental wear and size, placing it within the nine‑to‑ten‑year range.
What caused the elephant’s death?
A preliminary examination carried out by the forest department indicates that the elephant may have died of natural causes. Following a post‑mortem procedure, the carcass was buried at the site. Muscle tissue and other samples were collected during the post‑mortem for further analysis.
What steps are being taken to determine the cause?
The collected samples have been dispatched to the Centre for Wildlife Health at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology in Bhubaneswar for testing. Swadhinata Sahani, assistant conservator of forests (administration) for the Deogarh forest division, stated: “The cause of death of female elephant is likely to be natural. We will send today the collected samples to CWH for further testing. The exact cause of death will be known after obtaining report from CWH, Bhubaneswar.”
Forest officials said that while the preliminary assessment points to a natural demise, they are awaiting the definitive laboratory results to confirm the exact cause of death.
About the Author Malay Ray Malay Ray is a journalist who writes on social issues, human interest stories, startups, inventions, the environment, women empowerment, and tribal life. He has been writing for The Times of India from Rourkela and covering other areas in the Sundargarh district of Odisha for the past three years.
Where was the female elephant carcass found?
The carcass was found in Jharaberni Khesra forest near Jharaberni village in Deogarh district.
When was the carcass discovered?
It was discovered on Friday night and reported by the Kundheigola forester at 10.35 pm, with officials examining the site on Saturday.
How old was the elephant estimated to be?
Officials estimated the elephant to be around 9 to 10 years old.
What do officials suspect as the cause of death?
A preliminary investigation suggests the elephant may have died of natural causes, pending laboratory confirmation.
What samples were collected from the carcass?
Muscle tissue and other samples were collected for further examination.
Where will the samples be sent for testing?
The samples will be sent to the Centre for Wildlife Health at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar.
Who provided the official statement about the cause of death?
Swadhinata Sahani, ACF (administration) of the Deogarh forest division, gave the statement.
What happened to the carcass after examination?
After post‑mortem examination, the carcass was buried at the site.
Manisha Naik
District Correspondent, Deogarh
Manisha Naik covers Deogarh's forest and wildlife beat, rural development, and local governance, reporting from the district headquarters.
View all articles by Manisha →
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