Kaziranga loses oldest ranger as 90-year-old elephant Mohanmala bids farewell

Mohanmala was part of the most challenging operations in Kaziranga, from dangerous anti-poaching patrols to treacherous flood rescues

Mohanmala walked into the dense marshes of Kaziranga in May 1970 – a plucky elephant, calm and composed, but fearless. She roamed the vast tracts of the lush Kaziranga, then still a wildlife sanctuary, slowly building a reputation as a powerful swimmer who coursed through water bodies that put paid to boats.

Mohanmala was brought to Kaziranga on May 17, 1970. (HT PHOTO)

“She was known as the park’s unofficial ambulance, transporting sick or injured forest staff from remote camps to safety, and even bringing them back after recovery,” said Kiran