Forest officials rescue wild elephant from muddy pit in eastern India

Forest officials rescue wild elephant from muddy pit in eastern India

Forest officials came to rescue of a wild elephant who fell into a muddy pit in eastern India.

Footage from July 14 shows the dramatic rescue operation in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.

A large group of men surrounds the elephant, and some are seen pulling on a rope tied to all four of the animal's legs.

The elephant eventually righted itself was walked away back into the forest.

According to local media, the wild elephant strayed from its herd and slipped into the ditch, before villagers alerted forest officials.

Residents shout in celebration after the wild elephant is rescued from the ditch and runs towards the jungle through a nearby tea garden.