Similipal Reserve Mourns the Loss of Mahendra, Its Legendary ‘Kumki’ Elephant

Mahendra, the 66-year-old tusker and ‘Kumki’ bull elephant, leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled service and dedication to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). With the passing of Mahendra, the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha has suffered an irreplaceable loss. He is a trained ‘Kumki’ bull elephant who died late on Sunday after battling a prolonged illness.

The 66-year-old tusker had been under treatment for age-related ailments at the Chahala camp.

Prakash Chand Gogineni, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) and field director of STR, confirmed that veterinary doctor Abhilash Acharya was treating Mahendra, who stopped eating on Sunday morning. Following the elephant’s demise, a team of veterinarians conducted an autopsy and buried the carcass. The postmortem report will determine the exact cause of death.

Decades of Unwavering Service of ‘Kumki’

Officials brought Mahendra to Similipal in December 2001 from Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Hamsur Wildlife Division) alongside two female elephants, Bhavani and Shobha. Standing eight feet tall, Mahendra was crucial in protecting Similipal’s wildlife, preventing poachers, and tracking tigers.

Over his 24-year service, Mahendra was instrumental in driving out intruding elephants and combating the timber mafia. In 2012, he survived a Maoist attack at Gudugudia, during which he sustained bullet and arrow injuries. Following surgery, the resilient tusker fully recovered and resumed his duties.

In 2019, officials temporarily relocated Mahendra to the Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary in Angul to assist in guarding and tracking the tigress Sundari, who was brought from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. He later returned to Similipal, continuing his vital role until his final days.

A Hero Remembered

Former principal chief conservator of forests Debabrata Swain called Mahendra’s death an irreplaceable loss for Similipal and Odisha. “His remarkable service to protect the sanctuary will forever be remembered,” said Swain.