1 month ago
Seven Jaldapara Mahouts Receive Gaj Gaurav Award for Elephant Conservation
Seven mahouts from a wildlife park in India were chosen for a special award that honors people who help elephants.
The award will be given on August 13 in the city of Visakhapatnam.
Two of the mahouts saved five elephants and a baby elephant during big floods in October.
The other five helped rescue 13 rhinos that were swept away by the river.
The forest minister praised them for their bravery and love for the animals.
Seven mahouts from Jaldapara wildlife division were selected for the Gaj Gaurav Award 2026.
Award ceremony will be held on August 13 in Visakhapatnam during World Elephant Day.
Bikash Kheria and Rajiv Oraon rescued five captive elephants and a calf during October floods.
The other five mahouts assisted in a large wildlife rescue operation, helping relocate 13 one‑horned rhinoceroses.
Forest minister Manoj Oraon praised the mahouts for their dedication and emotional bond with elephants.
- Who
- Seven mahouts from the Jaldapara wildlife division
- What
- Received the Gaj Gaurav Award for elephant conservation and rescue efforts
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India during World Elephant Day celebrations
- When
- Award presented on August 13, 2026
- Why
- For outstanding contributions to elephant conservation and wildlife rescue during floods
Key facts
- Award
- Gaj Gaurav Award 2026
- Awarding body
- Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Ceremony date
- August 13, 2026
- Ceremony location
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Recipients
- Bikash Kheria, Rajiv Oraon, Ajibul Haque, Ajit Gabur, Mamtaj Alam, Amasur Kheriya, Dilip Munda
Quotes
Senior Forester
A senior forest officer overseeing wildlife rescue operations
“The remarkable success of the rescue mission was made possible by the courage, commitment and exceptional skills of the mahouts. Their intimate understanding of elephant behaviour, difficult terrain and flood conditions proved crucial in ensuring the survival of both captive elephants and stranded rhinos.”
telegraphindia.com
Forest Minister Manoj Oraon
Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
“Our department is proud of these dedicated mahouts. Their deep emotional bond with the elephants and unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation are truly inspiring. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one of them.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Related news
Floods Sweep Five Elephants Toward Barrage in Uttar Pradesh
False Nepal Flood Claim Obscures Uttar Pradesh Elephant Rescue
Four Rescued Elephants’ Journeys Toward Healing at Vantara
Rhino Calf Rescued Near Jaldapara After Tea Garden Straying
Vantara Expands Government Partnerships For Wildlife Rescue And Conservation
North Bengal’s Elephants Reveal a Fraught Human-Wildlife Relationship
IMD warns of heavy rainfall in Bengal
