Injured elephant 'Sidda' dies of apathy, multiple injuries

Forest department officials and animal activist who were taking care of an injured Sidda said that he was recovering well but died suddenly.

A 35-year-old wild bull elephant that had been in the news for neglect by the government passed away in Manchanabele on Friday morning.

Animal activists and the media had highlighted the plight of the injured elephant forcing authorities to take note.

Forest department officials and animal activist who were taking care of an injured Sidda said that he was recovering well but died suddenly. The animal lived with excruciating pain for three months after it injured itself.

Sidda was in the spotlight after he was injured on August 30 and refused to leave the waters of Manchanabele dam in his attempt to alleviate pain. Sidda's injuries worsened in September when excessive exposure to water caused his wounds to gangrene.

Villagers and animal rights activists tried helping the elephant but it was only after the media highlighted the issue that the Karnataka Forest Department flung into action.

Even the army had stepped in to help the ailing elephant in November and had set up an iron structure to help doctors treat Sidda. The structure was used to help Sidda stand for a few hours everyday after he collapsed unable to stand on his own. Despite all attempts, Sidda's injuries were too huge to recover from and the elephant died on Friday.

OneIndia News