Poonam Nath

Kaziranga’s Oldest Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Serving Over 50 Years

Digital Desk: Mohanmala, Kaziranga's cherished departmental elephant, died quietly after more than 50 years of service. She was a fearless flood-time rescuer, an ally against poaching, and a symbol of loyalty, having been a part of the Kaziranga family since 1970.

Mohanmala, one of the most famous departmental elephants in Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, passed away at the age of 70 to 80 due to age-related illnesses.

According to the park, she left active departmental duties in 2003.

????????Kaziranga bids farewell to its beloved departmental elephant Mohanmala, who passed away peacefully with old age. Part of Kaziranga family since 1970, she was a fearless flood-time saviour, anti-poaching ally & symbol of loyalty.????????️https://t.co/Ci3CnKwJoM pic.twitter.com/oHn5ufwGnJ

— Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (@kaziranga_) August 14, 2025

On May 17, 1970, Mohanmala was transported from Kamrup to Kaziranga. She became an important part of Kaziranga's conservation history by serving the park with extraordinary dedication over the ensuing fifty years.

To ensure that important responsibilities were never interrupted, Mohanmala would occasionally carry forest frontline employees on her back when they were unable to travel by boat to their camps or perform patrolling duties.

She worked in the various Kaziranga ranges and actively participated in anti-poaching efforts, supporting the staff in the most challenging environments.

In addition to being a working member, Kaziranga National Park has lost a dependable coworker, a hero during a flood, and a representation of bravery and loyalty with her passing. Her decades of service will live on in the park's history, and everyone who worked with her will miss her terribly," a statement added.