Assam: Kaziranga National Park witnessed a unique celebration as officials marked the first birthday of ‘Pori,’ the park’s youngest elephant, with a day filled with festivities, health check-ups, and special treats.
The Assam Forest Department organized a comprehensive health check-up for all elephants, with a team of veterinarians examining the pachyderms for conditions such as abscesses, fungal infections, and foot nail overgrowth. Officials ensured the animals were in optimal health as part of the celebrations.
At the Kohora range, an atmosphere of joy prevailed as balloons adorned the venue and cakes were prepared for human visitors. Meanwhile, the elephants were treated to a feast of seasonal fruits, including bananas, sugarcane, oranges, grapes, and apples, delighting both the animals and onlookers.
Pori, the star of the day, was initially shy and stayed close to her vigilant mother, Bhadoi. However, her two-year-old playmate, Gadapan, stole the spotlight with his playful antics and curiosity about the fruit offerings. The heartwarming interactions between the elephants captivated visitors, particularly children, who enjoyed the unique birthday celebration.
Kaziranga is home to 65 departmental elephants and 39 privately owned elephants, all of whom play a crucial role in park activities.
Assam Environment and Forest Minister Chandramohan Patowary extended his wishes to Pori, posting on X: “We wish Pori, our youngest member of the Kaziranga family, a very happy first birthday.”
The event highlighted the deep-rooted tradition of human-elephant bonding in Assam, showcasing how these majestic creatures are cherished as integral members of the community. The celebration served as a reminder of the rich heritage of coexistence between humans and wildlife, an ethos central to Kaziranga’s legacy.
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