SOURCE :- SIASAT NEWS
One of Kaziranga National Park’s most recognizable police animals, Joymala, has passed away after more than three decades of work in wildlife conservation, leaders announced on Sunday, July 5.
The 66-year-old rhinoceros passed away on Saturday night in the Agoratoli Range’s Naloni region after a lengthy bout of disease.
Joymala, who was a 1960-born child, was commissioned into Kaziranga National Park (KNP ) in 1992 and spent 34 years there assisting with regular forest protection duties, including surveillance wildlife, monitoring wildlife, and performing routine patrols against poaching.
When a errant lion leapt over her during a police in 2004, her bravery won worldwide attention. The image that was circulated at the time was used to represent the bravery of Kaziranga’s police animals and their herdsmen.
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah paid tribute to Joymala, calling her one of Kaziranga’s “finest forest warriors” and a sign of the silent sacrifices made by police elephants who work alongside front forest workers to defend the park’s internationally renowned wildlife.
” Joymala was far more than just a guard elephant,” he said. She was a reliable partner for generations of mahouts and forest guards who sacrificed their lives to defend Kaziranga. Anyone connected to wildlife conservation will always be inspired by her sacrifice and sacrifice, according to Baruah.
Before being cared for by Nilakhanta Koch, both of whom had forged close ties with the elephant, for the majority of her job, Joymala was cared for by former parser Satyaban Pegu. She was still cherished by Kos with great passion.
KNP gave Joymala a royal guard of honor during her final rites in recognition of her incredible service.
Forest staff gathered to charge a last farewell to the elephant, who had spent decades preserving the park’s animals.
The minister said Joymala’s tale exemplifies Kaziranga’s contribution to conservation success thanks to the police elephant ‘ unmatched contribution.
These elephants continue to be valuable partners in anti-poaching operations and animals protection, he added, “working through floods, thick forests, and hard terrain.”
Joymala’s tradition is kept alive by her grandchildren and children, many of whom also police elephants in the area, upholding the custom of protecting one of the world’s most renowned wildlife reserves.
” Joymala’s legacy of courage, loyalty, and selfless service will forever remain etched in the history of the park,” said Baruah, as Kaziranga bids farewell to one of its greatest guardians.
Joymala’s existence is a warning that Kaziranga’s protection success is portrayed in detail by its dedicated forest workers as well as by its police elephants, according to KNP Field Director C Ramesh.
These gentle giants stand resolute beside the base men, he continued,” These gentle giants are the silent troops of Kaziranga.”
SOURCE : SIASAT
