Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam held a special ceremony on Sunday to honor two retiring camp elephants while officially welcoming five new recruits to its conservation team. The event celebrated the long-term role of these animals in anti-poaching operations, wildlife monitoring, habitat management, and ecotourism within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the event, staff and mahouts participated in a ceremonial procession featuring decorated elephants. The reserve honored retirees Purnima and Promila with a Guard of Honour for their years of service to the Forest Department. As part of the farewell, the two elephants received traditional gamochas and a special feast of sugarcane and fruit. Forest officials confirmed that the pair will remain under the care of the department, receiving lifelong veterinary support in their retirement.
The reserve also introduced its five newest members: Manalisa, Raja, Bubul, Bijoy, and Birshing. These elephants recently finished a three-month training program where they mastered patrol protocols and field commands under the guidance of experienced handlers. Forest officials emphasized that these animals are vital for reaching remote grasslands where standard surveillance is difficult. One official stated that camp elephants remain "an indispensable part of conservation management in Manas" because they provide essential access for protection and monitoring tasks.
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