Lightning kills 4-year-old wild elephant in Tripura’s Khowai district

In a tragic incident, a four-year-old female wild elephant was found dead on Friday morning in the forests of Dukhipara under the Teliamura sub-division of Khowai district, Tripura. Forest officials have confirmed that the elephant was killed by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm.

The incident came to light around 11 AM when elephant volunteers, who were on routine duty despite inclement weather, discovered the carcass deep inside the forest area. They immediately informed the forest authorities.

Pranajit Saha, Range Officer of the Mungiakami Range under Teliamura Forest Division, rushed to the site with his team. Veterinary experts also arrived at the location to conduct an on-site post-mortem examination.

“Preliminary findings from the veterinary team suggest that the elephant died due to a lightning strike during today’s early morning thunderstorm,” said Saha. He further added that there were visible signs of burns on the elephant’s body, consistent with a lightning-related fatality.

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The forest department has followed all necessary protocols, including documentation and conducting a post-mortem examination. After completing all legal and departmental formalities, the carcass will be disposed of in accordance with forest conservation guidelines.

This unfortunate incident has raised concerns about the increasing vulnerability of wildlife to extreme weather conditions, which are becoming more frequent in the region. The Forest Department has urged locals and wildlife volunteers to remain vigilant during adverse weather and report any similar occurrences immediately.

Authorities are also considering setting up additional shelter zones in elephant corridors to help protect the animals during such natural calamities.