Guwahati: The forests of Kaziranga National Park have fallen quieter with the passing of Joymala, 66 , one of the park’s most iconic and dedicated patrol elephants. She earned international recognition in 2004 when a stray tigress leapt over her during a patrol. Joymala charged at the tigress, forcing it to retreat instead of attacking her or her mahout.Born in 1960, Joymala joined the park in 1992 and served the protected area for 34 years. She died on Saturday night. The park accorded her a ceremonial guard of honour during her last rites on Sunday.Divisional forest officer Arun Vignesh said Joymala became an inseparable part of Kaziranga’s conservation journey, working alongside generations of frontline forest staff to protect one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife landscapes.Recalling the 2004 tiger encounter, Vignesh said, “A stray tiger leapt over Joymala while she was on patrol — a dramatic incident that was captured on camera and went on to become one of Kaziranga’s most iconic wildlife images, drawing global attention to the courage and composure of the park’s patrol elephants and their handlers.”For many years, Joymala was cared for by veteran mahout Satyaban Pegu. In her later years, her care was entrusted to mahout Nilakhanta Koch.DFO said Joymala wasreceiving continuous veterinary care and treatment for nearly a year due to a prolonged illness. She died in the Naloni area under the Agoratoli Range of the park.Vignesh added that Joymala’s life is a reminder that Kaziranga’s conservation success has been shaped not only by its forest staff but also by its patrol elephants.Forest and environment minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, paying tribute, described Joymala as one of Kaziranga’s “finest jungle warriors”. He said her life symbolised the silent sacrifices made by patrol elephants that work alongside frontline forest staff to protect the park’s globally renowned biodiversity.“Joymala was far more than a patrol elephant. She was a trusted companion to 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.“As Kaziranga bids farewell to one of its greatest guardians, Joymala’s legacy of courage, loyalty and selfless service will forever remain etched in the history of the park,” he added.
