Kaziranga: Kaziranga National Park on Sunday paid a solemn tribute to Joymala, one of its longest-serving and most dedicated patrol elephants, who was laid to rest with full honours after an illustrious 34-year career in wildlife protection.

A trusted companion of forest personnel, Joymala played a crucial role in anti-poaching operations and wildlife rescue missions across the park. Throughout her decades of service, she was an integral part of Kaziranga’s frontline conservation efforts, helping protect one of the world’s most important tiger habitats.

Forest officials remembered Joymala not just as a patrol elephant, but as a fearless guardian whose unwavering service significantly strengthened the park’s security and conservation initiatives.

Among the many incidents that highlighted her courage was a remarkable encounter in 2004, when a tiger reportedly leapt over her during a routine patrol. Joymala remained calm throughout the incident, a reflection of her exceptional training, discipline and bravery.

Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Kaziranga’s conservation history, with forest officials and staff paying heartfelt tributes to the veteran elephant for her decades of dedicated service.