India, Nov. 20 -- A high-risk rescue effort by the Forest Department in Mandya has saved a baby elephant that had been stuck in a fast-flowing canal near Shivanasamudra in Malavalli taluk for four days.

The calf had slipped into the canal while attempting to drink water and remained stranded in the same spot, struggling against the strong current.

The animal's ordeal continued despite repeated attempts by officials on Monday, when elevated water levels made it impossible to lift the young elephant out. The situation changed on Tuesday after the water level in the canal, located next to a private power generation plant, was lowered, allowing a large-scale, coordinated operation to begin.

Forest staff first fed and tranquilised the calf,...