The calf was first spotted on the periphery of Solakkarai forest on September 18, moving with visible injuries and under the protective watch of its mother and two adult female elephants.
Madukkarai Forest Range Officer R. Arun Kumar and his team rushed to the location, confirming that the herd had entered Tamil Nadu from the adjoining jurisdiction of Kerala.
Kumar said the wounds on the calf resembled those caused by a carnivore attack, noting claw‑mark patterns that are characteristic of a tiger.
Because the three adult females were actively guarding the youngster, forest officials were unable to approach for a closer medical examination.
To continue observation without disturbing the herd, the department deployed a drone equipped with a camera, which captured the calf struggling to walk and limping noticeably.
The elephants have been staying in open, plain areas to facilitate easier movement, with the mother and the two females constantly supporting and protecting the injured calf.
Videos of the herd drinking water from a stream along the state border and the limping calf have been widely shared on social media, drawing public attention to the situation.