GUWAHATI: Joymala, one of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve's longest-serving patrol elephants, died on Saturday night after serving the protected area for 34 years.
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According to a press release issued by the park authorities, Joymala was born in 1960 and joined Kaziranga in 1992. During her service, she assisted forest personnel in anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, rescue operations and routine forest protection activities.
The elephant died at the Naloni area under Agoratoli Range after undergoing veterinary treatment for nearly a year following a prolonged illness.
Joymala gained international attention in 2004 when a stray tiger leapt over her during a forest patrol. The incident was captured on camera and became one of the widely recognised wildlife photographs associated with Kaziranga.
For much of her service, Joymala was under the care of veteran mahout Satyaban Pegu. In her later years, she was looked after by mahout Nilakhanta Koch.
Following her death, Kaziranga forest personnel accorded her a Guard of Honour before performing her last rites.
Park authorities stated that patrol elephants continue to play an important role in conservation activities, particularly in anti-poaching operations and wildlife monitoring across the park's challenging terrain.
Joymala is survived by several of her offspring, who are also serving as patrol elephants in Kaziranga.