In the vast wilderness of Kaziranga, where nature thrives in its rawest form, an emotional story recently captured the hearts of many. A baby elephant, lost and alone, was separated from its herd – its future uncertain. But what followed was a remarkable effort by forest officials, who used instinct, intelligence, and a rather unusual but clever method to bring mother and calf back together. This is the story of Chotu – and the power of a mother’s bond.
1989 batch Retired IFS officer of Odisha cadre, Mr Susanta Nanda, shared a video captures a tender moment between a lost calf and its mother – reminding us that true forest duty never retires.
A Baby’s Call for Help – and the Forest Answered
In the misty wilderness of Kaziranga National Park, a frightened elephant calf named Chotu found himself separated from his mother. But instead of panicking, the little one did something remarkable—he ran straight towards the forest officials.
In the viral video shared by retired officer, Chotu is seen circling a forest department vehicle, visibly distressed, as if pleading for help. His trust in humans led to something magical—an emotional reunion that melted hearts across the internet.
Chotu got separated from mother at Kaziranga. It was united later with its mother. The forest officials applied mother’s dung to the calf to suppress human smell. Happy reunion at the end ☺️ pic.twitter.com/0sN1RbQ55E
— Susanta Nanda IFS (Retd) (@susantananda3) July 6, 2025
A Mother’s Scent, A Forest Trick
Acting quickly, forest staff used a time-tested rescue technique. They gently rubbed mother elephant dung on Chotu to mask his scent and calm the approaching herd. Moments later, his mother appeared.
With soft trumpets and flapping ears, Chotu trotted to her side, and together they disappeared into the jungle – guided only by instinct, care, and the quiet encouragement of the officers –
“Haan jaa, jaa beta…”
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Susanta Nanda: Still in Service, Even in Retirement
Retired officer Mr Nanda who shared video, continues to serve the cause he loves—through his phone camera and social media. His timeline is filled with glimpses of forest life: rescues, reunions, and raw, unfiltered moments that remind us of the fragile beauty of nature.
Though retired, Nanda remains a bridge between India’s forests and its people. Posts like Chotu’s story aren’t just viral—they’re vital, keeping conservation consciousness alive in the digital world.
The Internet Reacts: “Faith Restored!”
Social media erupted with emotion after the clip was posted. Users poured in comments full of gratitude and awe-
On user wrote, “Oh this is such a beautiful story. Thank you”
Oh this is such a beautiful story. Thank you 🙏
— DuXango🏔️🌠🇮🇳🇺🇸 (@Nagetheworld) July 7, 2025
Another user shares, “Nature has its own language – and forest officials spoke it with heart. What a thoughtful and beautiful reunion!”
Nature has its own language — and forest officials spoke it with heart. What a thoughtful and beautiful reunion! 🐘💚
— Dr Akkshye Tulsyan (@AkkshyeTulsyan) July 6, 2025
“Starting the week with such a touching video – thank you for this little moment of joy!”, a user shares his joy.
"Starting the week with such a touching video—thank you for this little moment of joy!"😍
— Susil Thomas (@susilthomas) July 7, 2025
The video has already garnered millions of views and continues to be reshared by wildlife lovers, conservationists, and civil service aspirants alike.
When the Wild Feels Safe with Us
Chotu’s story is more than just a rescue. It’s a reflection of what happens when empathy meets experience – and when officials treat duty not just as a job, but as a lifelong bond with nature.
Thanks to such officers, stories like these don’t just unfold in the forest. They find a second life online—spreading awareness, building compassion, and reminding us that even the tiniest elephant has a place in the heart of the jungle.
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