From Abroad

Now, solar-powered boats

A solar-powered boat manufactured in the Netherlands made its maiden cruise in Asian waters from India's Chennai Port recently.

Launching the solar-powered boat, manufactured by Delft University, the Netherlands, Karien van Gennip, the Netherlands' Minister for Foreign Trade, said 20 students of the University had set a milestone in maritime technology by manufacturing the solar-powered boat, which would be an answer to conventional boats using oil motors.

With dwindling (decreasing) oil resources and increasing pollution levels, it had become imperative (necessary) for innovation based on non-conventional energy sources, which were pollution-free.

The country was ready to share its technology with other countries, especially India. Later, the Minister took a ride in the boat for about 20 minutes. Chennai Port Chairman K. Suresh, presiding over the launch, said these boats could be used for attracting tourists.

The Hindu

Stray elephant calf brought to zoo

A 45-day-old elephant calf rejected by its herd and later rescued by Forest Department officials in Sathyamangalam, India has a new home. It was brought to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP), Vandalur.

The zoo veterinarians said that after the calf was abandoned by its mother and the herd, it strayed and was rescued from the Andhiyur range. They tried to reunite the calf with its mother or herd, but did not succeed.

A senior Forest officer said they then left the calf inside the forest. But, even after a day, it was found roaming alone.

They picked up the calf, and kept it in their custody for a couple of days, before deciding to send it to Vandalur, where it would get better care.The animal was transported in a mini-lorry from Andhiyur to the zoo and is now housed in a room in the veterinary hospital.

The vets said the health of the calf could be assessed only after a week's time. It had injuries on its left hind limb and lacerations (injuries) on the back. Initially, they will feed the calf Lactogen I mixed in milk, besides a diet prepared by vets.

The Vandalur zoo already has another slightly older elephant calf, which too was abandoned by its herd in the same Sathyamangalam area, about four months ago.

That elephant too is convalescing (recovering) at the veterinary hospital, the officials said.

The Hindu