The villagers often saw elephants near their homes, so the appearance of the elephant did not surprise anyone. People became alert when they realized that the elephant had been digging a hole without stopping for about 10 hours, while her herd had gone many kilometers ahead.
Elephants spend most of the day looking for food, because on average these large animals require about 150 kg of food daily. Dehydration does not threaten elephants, because a decent supply of water is retained in their thick skin, but they need a lot of food and almost all the time these animals are in search of food.
Mud and dust baths are also traditional pastimes for elephants. With the help of a layer of dust, they protect their skin from exposure to sunlight and burns. This elephant seemed to have forgotten both about food and the sun, fully concentrating on her lesson.
People decided to help the animal and distract it, they collected food that elephants love on the cart, but when these treats were brought to the animal, it did not react in any way and continued its occupation. People did not understand what was happening, so they just waited.
Finally, the elephant saw the food and went to the cart. While the animal was distracted, people had the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity and looked into the hole. It became clear why the elephant digs so enthusiastically – her baby was in the hole, who fell into it. The animal tried to free the baby from captivity, but only made it worse, because by swinging its trunk it pushed dirt and earth back into the pit.
People wanted to help, at the same time they understood that they needed to do their job quickly and quietly, without attracting the attention of a large elephant, and also trying not to touch the baby, because his parent might perceive this as a threat.
People realized that they needed to move the sand that had accumulated on the edge of the pit, because when digging, the elephant threw it down.
After removing everything superfluous, people took away the cart with food, and the elephant immediately returned to her occupation.
People stood nearby and waited, sincerely hoping that everything would end well.
It took 11 hours, but mom got to her baby and hug him with her trunk. The baby elephant was exhausted and scared, covered from head to toe in mud, but he was glad to see his mother. One strong jerk was enough for mom and baby to stand side by side again. People were happy and excited that everything ended well.
The elephant finally calmed down, she intertwined her trunk with the trunk of the baby, and she slowly walked, leaving the village behind.
The inhabitants of Chatra remembered this touching story and now they tell it to each other and to all the tourists who find themselves in their village.
