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From the Better India X Account: “For 34 years, she walked where few dared to.
Today, Kaziranga says goodbye to one of its bravest guardians.

Born in 1960, Joymala joined Kaziranga in 1992 and dedicated over three decades to protecting one of the world's most celebrated wildlife reserves.

Joymala was never just a patrol elephant.
Through floods, dense grasslands, rescue missions, and anti-poaching patrols, she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with forest guards and mahouts who depended on her strength, courage, and unwavering loyalty.

Many still remember the extraordinary moment in 2004 when a stray tiger leapt over her during a patrol.

While the photograph captured the world’s attention, it was only one glimpse of a lifetime spent serving the forest she called home.
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Despite battling illness for nearly a year, Joymala's spirit remained as strong as ever

On July 5, Kaziranga bid her a final farewell with a ceremonial Guard of Honour — a tribute usually reserved for the bravest among us.

Rest well, Joymala. The forests of Kaziranga are safer because you walked through them.

#KazirangaNationalPark #WildlifeConservation #AsianElephant #NatureConservation #Joymala

[Kaziranga National Park, Joymala Elephant, Wildlife Conservation, Forest Protection, Assam Wildlife, Wildlife India]”