Divisional forest officer A P Singh said it was probably left behind by a herd which was seen in the area recently.
Officials of Kalaikunda, Hijri and Belda under Kharagpur forest division brought the 2-year-old elephant calf to Jhargram mini zoo last evening, he said.
Locals had spotted the baby elephant roaming around in Nischinta, Bashputri and Fatikchua areas for the last 2-3 days and had informed forest personnel.
The animal was today examined by a vet and declared to be fit, he said.
The four-feet tall elephant calf was eating properly, he said.
Meanwhile, a herd of 50 elephants was plundering crops and dwellings at Banisole, Karampole and Salboni areas under Lalgarh police station, he said.
Efforts were on to send back the elephants to Dalma forest.