Home / Environment / Kaziranga's Guardian Elephant Joymala Dies After 30 Years
Kaziranga's Guardian Elephant Joymala Dies After 30 Years
5 Jul
Summary
- Joymala served Kaziranga National Park for over 30 years.
- She famously faced a tiger during a patrol in 2004.
- Her contribution to wildlife conservation is remembered.
Kaziranga National Park has lost one of its most celebrated guardians, Joymala, a patrol elephant who dedicated over 30 years to the reserve. Joymala passed away after a prolonged illness, having received veterinary care for nearly a year.
She gained international acclaim in 2004 for a dramatic incident where she fearlessly faced a tiger during a patrol. This event highlighted the courage and composure of patrol elephants and their handlers in challenging forest environments.
Joymala joined Kaziranga's patrol force in 1992, contributing 34 years to protecting the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Her duties included anti-poaching operations, wildlife monitoring, and routine patrols.
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah honored Joymala as a significant guardian, emphasizing the vital role of patrol elephants in safeguarding biodiversity, especially during floods and in dense forests. Kaziranga National Park accorded Joymala a ceremonial Guard of Honour during her final rites, recognizing her unwavering dedication and bravery.
