Guwahati, Aug. 14 -- Assam's Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve is mourning the loss of Mohanmala, one of its most iconic and beloved departmental elephants.

The veteran, aged between 70 and 80 years, passed away on Thursday morning due to old age in the Kohora Range of Assam, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the park's history.

Brought to Kaziranga on May 17, 1970, from Kamrup during the tenure of then PCCF Durga Prasad Neog, Mohanmala served the park for over three decades before retiring in 2003. Known for her fearless spirit, obedience, and gentle nature, she played a crucial role in anti-poaching operations, flood rescues, and patrolling in difficult terrains.

During flood seasons, when even frontline staff could no...