Assam Forest Minister pays tribute to Kaziranga’s legendary elephant Joymala

Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Saturday paid an emotional tribute to Joymala, one of Kaziranga National Park’s most celebrated patrol elephants, following her demise after more than three decades of dedicated service to wildlife conservation. Describing Joymala as one of Kaziranga’s “finest jungle warriors,” the Minister said her life symbolised the silent sacrifices made by patrol elephants that work alongside frontline forest staff in protecting the park’s globally renowned biodiversity. Born in 1960, Joymala was engaged by Kaziranga National Park in 1992 and served the protected area for 34 years. Throughout her life, she participated in anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, rescue operations and routine forest protection duties, becoming a part of Kaziranga’s conservation efforts.

Paying tribute, the Minister recalled the incident in 2004 when a stray tiger dramatically leapt over Joymala while she was on patrol. The rare moment, captured on camera, drew international attention and became one of the most iconic photographs associated with Kaziranga, highlighting the courage and composure of the park’s patrol elephants and their mahouts.

“Joymala was far more than a patrol elephant. She was a trusted companion of generations of forest guards and mahouts who dedicated their lives to protecting Kaziranga. Her service and sacrifice will always remain a source of inspiration for everyone associated with wildlife conservation,” the Minister said. Joymala was cared for by veteran mahout Satyaban Pegu for several years before her responsibility was later entrusted to mahout Nilakhanta Koch, who continued to look after her with great affection.

Despite receiving treatment for nearly a year due to illness, Joymala passed away on Saturday night at Naloni area under the Agoratoli Range of Kaziranga National Park.