Rescued Elephant Calf Karma Raygel Starts a New Life at Royal Manas National Park
At the time of rescue, the calf was in critical condition, suffering from severe dehydration and injuries. He was immediately treated by veterinary teams at Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, where he began a careful recovery under close monitoring.
Over the next ten months, Karma Raygel showed remarkable improvement. His recovery was made possible through the dedication of sanctuary staff and the support of kind donors from within Bhutan and beyond. Their consistent care helped the young elephant regain strength and stability.
The Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation also supported the rehabilitation process by providing funds for shelter construction and ongoing maintenance. With proper care, training, and supervision, Karma Raygel gradually grew stronger and more confident, reflecting the resilience of the species.
Recognizing that elephants are social animals that require interaction with others of their kind, wildlife officials decided that Royal Manas National Park would offer the most suitable long-term environment. The calf was gently released across the Manas River into the Manas Range, where he will now live among other elephants under professional management.
Although the transfer was an emotional farewell for the caretakers who had looked after him since his rescue, officials stressed that the decision was made with the calf’s long-term welfare in mind.
Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary conveyed sincere appreciation to all individuals and organizations who supported Karma Raygel’s journey, describing his recovery as a meaningful reminder of the impact of compassion and collective effort in wildlife conservation in Bhutan.
