Archive · 31 Jul 2026
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
- When
- Award presented on August 13, 2026
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India during World Elephant Day celebrations
- Why
- For outstanding contributions to elephant conservation and wildlife rescue during floods
- 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