Herd of 12 elephants spotted at Kalesar National Park

A herd of 12 wild elephants has been spotted at Kalesar National Park in Yamunanagar district, raising hopes of a thriving habitat for large mammals in the region. The elephants were seen frolicking in a specially built concrete pond inside the park, an indication that the wildlife-friendly infrastructure is yielding results.

The majestic sight was captured by night vision cameras installed by the Wildlife Department near a water source in the forest. According to forest officials, the elephants may have migrated from Rajaji National Park in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, which is known for its high elephant population.

Leelu Ram, Inspector of the Wildlife Department, Yamunanagar, said the park’s guards first spotted the herd entering the forest on April 25. “We have installed three night-vision cameras at different spots across the park to monitor wildlife activity. One of them recorded a herd of seven elephants bathing and playing in the 15-foot-deep concrete pond near the Guga Fireline on the banks of the Sukhrao river on April 28,” he said.

He said, “The herd seen in the video included two large males, two adult females, two male calves, and one female calf. They spent hours enjoying themselves in the muddy water of the pond.”

Describing the development as encouraging, Leelu Ram said, “We are excited with the increasing number of elephants in Kalesar National Park. The result of the water arrangements made for wild animals is clearly visible now. The environment of the park is proving attractive to wildlife.”

“Elephants love muddy water, and it was evident in the way they kept splashing and playing for hours. It’s a sign of a healthy ecosystem,” he said.

The presence of such a sizable herd is being viewed as a positive ecological sign, pointing to the successful conservation efforts and improved habitat conditions within the park. The park, which borders Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, is part of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve corridor and plays a crucial role in the movement and safety of migratory herds.

Haryana Tribune