A wild female elephant was seriously injured after falling from a hill nearly 200 feet high in Teknaf on Saturday afternoon, the Forest Department said.

Forest officials, accompanied by veterinarians from the Teknaf Upazila Livestock Veterinary Hospital, immediately began treating the injured animal.

Teknaf Range Officer Md Abdur Rashid confirmed the incident, saying the elephant has sustained severe injuries to its abdomen and legs.

He added that Forest Department personnel and members of the Community Patrol Group (CPG) are looking after the elephant and that the Upazila Livestock Officer has already been informed. A specialised medical team has also been deployed.

Assistant Conservator of Forests for Teknaf and Ukhiya Md Monirul Islam said the elephant was grazing on vines and leaves on the hillside when it slipped on rain-soaked soil and plunged down the steep slope.

"The elephant has been unable to stand since the fall. It is suspected to have been paralysed, which is preventing it from moving," he said.

He expressed hope that the elephant could recover with intensive care and proper treatment.

Teknaf Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Abul Kalam Azad said the elephant remained lying on the ground and was only able to make slight movements.

"It cannot move its two hind legs and has also sustained injuries to its abdomen," he said.

As the elephant is stranded in a remote hilly area, moving it elsewhere is not possible, he said. The animal will therefore be treated at the site. If it recovers, experts will decide whether it should be released back into the wild or, if necessary, taken to Dulahazara Safari Park for further care.