Scientists probe Namibian desert elephant calf deaths

Scientists are expanding research into the deaths of desert elephant calves in north-western Namibia amid concerns over rising mortality rates.

The research follows the death of a newborn calf whose final hours were captured on video and shared by Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA).

The organisation says the calf was only a few hours old when it was filmed struggling before it died shortly afterwards.

EHRA says tourists had gathered near the calf at the time, adding unnecessary stress to an already vulnerable situation.

While the cause of the calf’s death remains unknown, the organisation says it is working with Daniella Chusyd, an assistant professor at Indiana University in the United States, to investigate possible causes of calf mortality.