Guwahati, Aug 14: Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve has lost one of its most legendary protectors. Mohanmala, the iconic departmental elephant of Kohora Range, passed away in the early hours of 14 August 2025 due to old age, at an estimated age of 70–80 years.
Brought to Kaziranga on 17 May 1970 from Kamrup during the tenure of then PCCF Durga Prasad Neog, Mohanmala became a living symbol of the park’s conservation spirit. For over five decades, she carried out frontline duties with unmatched dedication—braving floods, navigating treacherous terrains, and aiding in anti-poaching operations across Kaziranga’s ranges.
Fearless yet gentle, Mohanmala was the park’s flood-time lifeline. When even boats failed to reach remote camps, she carried forest guards through swirling waters, ensuring patrols never stopped. Her swimming skills and unshakable obedience made her a trusted partner in the toughest situations.
She gave birth to two female calves—Malati, who died young at 17, and another calf who tragically did not survive infancy. Mohanmala retired from active duty in 2003 but remained a cherished figure in the park.
One story, told by her long-time head mahout Shri Kiran Rabha, captures her extraordinary courage. On a winter morning near Mihibeel wetland, Mohanmala and her calf Malati faced a sudden charge from a wild bull elephant. As the enraged bull uprooted a tree and closed in, Mohanmala plunged into the deep waters, guiding her calf and mahout to safety. She disappeared into the forest for weeks before returning—calm, unharmed, and forever bonded with those she had saved.
“With her passing, Kaziranga National Park has lost not just a working member, but a trusted colleague, a flood-time saviour, and a symbol of loyalty and courage. Her decades of service will remain etched in the park’s history, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who worked alongside her” a statement from Kaziranga National Park said.
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