Blog Details

•  Author : Adeeb Sahil
• Date : August 25, 2025

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga elephant safari

Kaziranga National Park in Assam has lost one of its most important and respected members. Mohanmala, who was the oldest elephant in the park and also the last matriarch, passed away on Thursday. She had lived in Kaziranga National Park for more than fifty years and had been a big part of the park’s work and history. For the forest staff, rangers, mahouts, and conservationists, she was not only an elephant but also a trusted helper who gave her service all her life. Her death has brought sadness to everyone who knew her because she was always seen as a loyal and dependable elephant. With her passing, people in Kaziranga feel that an important chapter of the park has come to an end.

Who Was Mohanmala

Mohanmala was a female elephant who was between seventy and eighty years old at the time of her death. She was the oldest elephant in Kaziranga National Park and the senior-most member of the departmental herd. Many staff members and visitors to the park knew her as a strong and reliable elephant. She lived a long life, and during that time, she became a symbol of hard work, patience, and dedication. For a long time in Kaziranga, her work and presence were seen as very important. She was known for her calm nature and was respected by every mahout and ranger who worked with her.

How She Came To Kaziranga

Mohanmala first came to Kaziranga National Park on 17 May 1970. She was shifted from Kamrup to Kaziranga when Durga Prasad Neog was leading the forest department. From that day onwards, she became a permanent part of the park. When she arrived, she was trained and soon started working with the staff. She adjusted very well to the new environment and became one of the most trusted elephants of Kaziranga. At that time, Kaziranga National Park was already famous for its one-horned rhinoceros, but elephants like Mohanmala also played an important role in daily conservation work. Her arrival gave the park a strong and reliable helper who would go on to serve for many years.

Work And Service In The Park

Mohanmala worked in Kaziranga National Park for many years, and her service was very important. She was especially useful during flood seasons. Every year, Kaziranga faces heavy floods, and during that time, many areas are covered with deep water. In such situations, boats cannot always move properly. Mohanmala helped the staff by carrying them on her back so that patrolling and monitoring of the park could continue without any break. She also played a big role in anti-poaching operations. When the staff had to move into difficult forest areas, swamps, or flooded regions, Mohanmala always helped them reach safely.

She was known to have a very calm temperament. She listened to her mahouts carefully and always obeyed their commands. She was fearless when she had to face difficult situations. Her swimming skills were also very useful because during emergencies, she could cross rivers and water bodies where no boats or vehicles could go. Because of these abilities, Mohanmala was always a dependable helper for the park staff. Many mahouts said that they felt safe whenever they were with her.

Her Family Life

Mohanmala also had a family life during her time in Kaziranga. She gave birth to two female calves. The first calf was named Malati. Malati lived for seventeen years but then passed away. The second calf died just three days after birth as it was attacked by a tiger. These events were very sad for the staff as well as for Mohanmala. Despite these losses, Mohanmala continued her daily life and work with the same dedication. Her ability to move forward even after such difficulties showed her strength and patience.

Retirement

In 2003, Mohanmala retired from active duty after working for a very long time in the forest. Even after her retirement, she continued to stay in Kaziranga National Park. The staff always treated her with respect because of her long years of service. Visitors who came for the Kaziranga elephant safari often asked about her, and many people felt happy when they got a chance to see her during the Kaziranga elephant safari. She became like a living legend of the park. Even though she was no longer working, her presence in the park always reminded everyone about the important role elephants play in the conservation and protection of wildlife.

Story Of Her Bravery

One of the most well-known incidents of Mohanmala’s life took place near the Mihibeel wetland in Kaziranga. Early one winter morning, she went for patrol with her mahout named Kiran Rabha and her baby elephant called Malati. Suddenly, a wild bull elephant came near and began charging toward them quickly. The bull was very aggressive and even uprooted a tree in anger. This was a very dangerous situation because both the mahout and the calf were at risk.

At that moment, Mohanmala decided to escape into the deep water of Mihibeel. She guided her calf and also carried her mahout safely. Together, they crossed the water and reached the other side of the bank. Following that, Mohanmala moved back into the forest along with her little calf. For almost a month, nobody knew where she was. The staff was worried, but later she returned safely with her calf. This incident showed how protective and brave Mohanmala was. She always tried to keep her calf and mahout safe even in the most dangerous moments.

Her Death And Last Rites

On Thursday, Mohanmala passed away, leaving a deep emptiness in Kaziranga National Park. Her death was felt by everyone who worked with her over the years. To remember her and show respect, a Shraddhanjali event was arranged at Mihimukh in the central Kaziranga area. Officials, staff members, and mahouts came together to pay their respects to her. The last rites were carried out properly and respectfully by the people present there.

Sonali Ghosh, who is the Director of Kaziranga National Park, said she was very sad about Mohanmala’s death. She also shared that Mohanmala was more than just an elephant used for work, especially during flood situations. She was remembered as a loyal and trusted member of the Kaziranga family. For the staff, she was more than just an animal because she had worked side by side with them for so many years.