A heart-wrenching incident unfolded at a Chinese zoo, where the bond between a mother elephant and her newborn calf turned tragic on August 30.
Shocked zookeepers intervened as the female elephant aggressively targeted her offspring shortly after his birth.
The distressing event occurred when the mother elephant accidentally stepped on her newborn calf, named Zhuangzhuang, shortly after giving birth.
Initially perceived as an accident, the situation escalated when the mother resumed her assault on the calf even after veterinary intervention.
In a swift and decisive move to protect the vulnerable calf, zookeepers intervened, separating the baby from his mother’s care.
Zhuangzhuang has found solace and joy in playful interactions with his dedicated keeper despite abandonment and aggression.
Zhuangzhuang’s ordeal began with immediate rejection from his mother after birth. Red-eyed and distressed, the calf wailed inconsolably for hours, reflecting the emotional toll of separation.
However, diligent efforts by the zoo staff eventually brought comfort to the rejected calf under the care of a devoted keeper.
A spokesperson shared, “The calf was deeply distressed, shedding tears for hours until we could comfort him.
The separation from his mother, who was attempting to harm him, was unbearable for him.” Despite the unclear reasons behind the mother’s aggression, ensuring the calf’s safety remained paramount.
Enraged Elephant: The mother elephant’s attack on her calf underscores the complexities of animal behavior and the challenges faced in captive environments.