Kaziranga National Park in Assam bid a solemn farewell to Joymala, a 66-year-old patrol elephant who served the protected area for 34 years, with a traditional 'guard of honour' on July 5, 2026. Born in 1960, Joymala was engaged by the park in 1992 and played a crucial role in anti-poaching patrols and habitat management.
Joymala's Legacy of Service
Joymala was one of the oldest elephants in the park and had become an iconic figure among forest staff. She was known for her calm temperament and reliability during long patrols in the dense grasslands and forests. According to park officials, she participated in countless anti-poaching operations and helped in rescuing wild animals during floods.
Guard of Honour Ceremony
The farewell ceremony was attended by forest personnel, veterinarians, and park authorities who lined up to pay their respects. The elephant was draped in a ceremonial cloth and given a gun salute as per tradition. “Joymala was more than an animal; she was a dedicated colleague who served the park with unwavering loyalty,” said a senior forest official.
Impact on Conservation Efforts
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, relies heavily on trained elephants for patrolling its 430 square kilometres of terrain. Elephants like Joymala are essential for accessing areas unreachable by vehicles, especially during the monsoon season. Over her career, she helped reduce poaching incidents significantly. The park currently has 124 trained elephants, and Joymala's death leaves a void in the patrol team.
