Home / Environment / Brave Elephant Joymala, Kaziranga's Guardian, Passes Away
Brave Elephant Joymala, Kaziranga's Guardian, Passes Away
5 Jul
Summary
- Joymala, Kaziranga's long-serving elephant, died at 66 years old.
- She gained fame in 2004 when a tiger jumped over her.
- Joymala served as a jungle warrior for 34 years protecting the park.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is mourning the loss of Joymala, a revered elephant who served the park for 34 years. Joymala, aged 66, passed away on Saturday night, July 4, 2026, following a prolonged illness for which she received continuous veterinary care. She was officially inducted as a "jungle warrior" in 1992.
Joymala achieved international recognition in 2004 after a remarkable incident where a stray tiger leaped over her during a patrol. This event, captured on camera, became an iconic image, highlighting the courage of the park's patrol elephants. Assam's Forest Minister praised her as a "silent protector" who bravely guarded the park against poaching and aided in wildlife rescues.
Her dedication and loyalty were evident throughout her service, first under mahout Satyaban Pegu and later under Nilakanta Koch. Joymala's last rites were performed with full honors by Kaziranga's Forest personnel, celebrating a life of courageous service.
