India: elephant freed from tire stuck around its neck

A wild elephant was freed on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from a large tire that had become lodged around its neck in the Golaghat district of Assam, in northeastern India. The operation conducted by forest officials concluded without injury to the animal.

The elephant was spotted in the Bokial forest area near Morongi as it traversed a tea plantation in search of food. Images of its walk with the tire around its neck quickly alerted local residents and authorities.

Teams from the Forest Department monitored the animal for several hours to assess its condition and determine a safe intervention method. Veterinarians ultimately tranquilized the elephant in the evening, allowing officials to carefully remove the object.

Local MP Mrinal Saikia alerted forest officials after being informed of the situation. Residents were instructed not to approach or chase the elephant while preparations for the rescue were underway.

A likely abandoned tractor tire

According to initial reports from local officials, the tire may have come from a tractor and been abandoned in the forest area. The elephant likely lifted it with its trunk out of curiosity before the object slipped around its neck.

Assam’s Forest Minister, Jayanta Malla Baruah, shared images of the operation and praised the mobilization of field teams. Authorities reported no injuries caused by the removal of the tire.