DEHRADUN: Known worldwide for its tigers, Uttarakhand’s Corbett Tiger Reserve is also home to a thriving elephant population. This World Elephant Day, the reserve is celebrating Malini — a young elephant who survived a near-fatal accident and has made an extraordinary recovery.
Once caught between life and death, Malini can now be seen roaming and playing at the Kalagarh Elephant Centre, where her lively antics draw the attention of caretakers and visitors alike.
World Elephant Day, observed annually on August 12, was launched in 2012 to highlight the threats facing Asian and African elephants. Malini’s recovery has lent special significance to this year’s observance at Corbett.
The reserve forms part of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve, and its Kalagarh centre provides shelter, treatment and rehabilitation to rescued elephants.
Malini’s ordeal began last year when she was swept away in the swollen Malan River near Kotdwar. Separated from her herd, the calf became trapped between rocks in the strong current. She suffered multiple injuries and had grown extremely weak by the time local residents alerted the Forest Department.
Forest personnel and a rescue team from Corbett carried out a difficult operation to pull her to safety. She was then brought to the Kalagarh Elephant Centre, where treatment began under the supervision of senior veterinary officers, forest staff and mahouts.
The calf’s condition remained critical, but round-the-clock care gradually brought signs of improvement. The elephant was later named “Malini” by Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, after the river from which she was rescued.
“Malini received the best possible treatment and can now be seen happily moving around and playing at the centre,” Uniyal told this newspaper. “Looking at her today, few would imagine that she was brought here in such a critical condition.”
Central to her recovery has been her mahout, Rupam. Their remarkable bond has become a heart-warming sight at the camp. Rupam does not see Malini merely as an elephant; he cares for her like a child and a member of his own family.
Corbett Tiger Reserve Director Dr Saket Badola described the recovery as a proud achievement for the entire team.
“Along with protecting wild elephants, we pay special attention to the care of department-managed elephants and the treatment of rescued animals,” he said. “Bringing Malini back to health after she was rescued in a critical state is a major accomplishment.”
Wildlife enthusiast Deepankar Khulbe said elephants were integral to Uttarakhand’s natural heritage. “They help maintain the ecological balance of forests and are an invaluable part of India’s biodiversity,” he said.
For Malini, each playful step at Kalagarh now tells a story of survival, compassion and hope.