Uttarakhand News: Gomati, a 66-year-old elephant working with the forest department at the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, passed away Monday after a long battle with age-related health issues. The elephant, who gave nearly five decades of her life to the department, died at 10:30 am on October 14. She had recently been moved from the Dhikala Range to the elephant enclosure in Kalagarh, where she received treatment under the care of Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Dushyant Sharma.
The passing of Gomati, known for her resilience and invaluable contributions to conservation, left a somber mark on the reserve, according to officials. Following her death, a postmortem was conducted in the presence of forest department officials, veterinary officers, and members of local NGOs. The procedure was overseen by Deputy Director Rahul Mishra, Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Rahul Sati, and Forest Range Officer Manish Kumar. Samples of her viscera and internal organs have been sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly and the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun for detailed examination, the officials said.
Gomati Was Part Of Patrolling, Rescue Missions
In her 48 years of service, Gomati played a vital role in patrolling, rescue missions, and protecting forest department staff. The officials said her presence was often a reassurance for rangers during challenging patrols and rescue efforts, earning her a special place in the hearts of her human colleagues and local communities alike.
Dr. Saket Badola, Field Director at thw Corbett Tiger Reserve, expressed deep sorrow, emphasising that her contribution to the reserve is irreplaceable and unforgettable.
According to Dr. Dushyant Sharma, the cause of death was attributed to natural age progression, which had increasingly impacted Gomati's physical capacity and health. Gomati’s dedication and service spirit remained unwavering despite her age, Sharma shared, adding that her contributions to the reserve will always be remembered.
The forest department staff and local community members paid their respects to Gomati, commemorating her as a symbol of loyalty, strength, and service to wildlife conservation. Her legacy will endure as a tribute to her remarkable journey within Corbett Tiger Reserve and her lasting impact on the Forest Department.