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    The Great Karnali Quest: a 248-Kilometer Rafting is held in nepal, what you know about it

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    Raju Jhallu Prasad secured first position on FECOFUN Poetry Contest

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    The Great Karnali Quest: a 248-Kilometer Rafting is held in nepal, what you know about it

    The Great Karnali Quest: a 248-Kilometer Rafting is held in nepal, what you know about it

    World longest to be held rafting in Karnali

    World longest to be held rafting in Karnali

    Tilicho Lake now access to internet

    Tilicho Lake now access to internet

    Unlocking Nepal’s Hidden Wonders: The Thrill of Canyoning

    Unlocking Nepal’s Hidden Wonders: The Thrill of Canyoning

    Hot Air Balloon Adventures in Pokhara: Your Next Must-Visit Destination

    Hot Air Balloon Adventures in Pokhara: Your Next Must-Visit Destination

    Paragliding experience of visually impaired ‘Living your dreams requires courage, not sight’

    Paragliding experience of visually impaired ‘Living your dreams requires courage, not sight’

  • Eco Toursim
    • All
    • Agriculture and Farm Tours
    • Community-Based Tourism
    • Eight Thousanders
    • National Parks and Wildlife
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    Hello ! Trekkers, Mustang Extends a Warm Welcome with a Blanket of Snow

    Hello ! Trekkers, Mustang Extends a Warm Welcome with a Blanket of Snow

    Prioritizing rights over aid at COP 28: PM Prachanda

    Prioritizing rights over aid at COP 28: PM Prachanda

    Migratory birds in Nepal to escape winter

    Migratory birds in Nepal to escape winter

    Danish climber struggles for life in Amadablam

    Danish climber struggles for life in Amadablam

    WWF and SAHAMATI Join Forces to Bolster Climate Resilience in Lower Narayani River Basin with ‘Nature-based Solutions – The Triple Benefit Program

    WWF and SAHAMATI Join Forces to Bolster Climate Resilience in Lower Narayani River Basin with ‘Nature-based Solutions – The Triple Benefit Program

    Yak Chauri Farmers Association Established to Promote Yak Farming in Nepal.

    Yak Chauri Farmers Association Established to Promote Yak Farming in Nepal.

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    Raju Jhallu Prasad secured first position on FECOFUN Poetry Contest

    Raju Jhallu Prasad secured first position on FECOFUN Poetry Contest

    Chhath:Festive ambience overwhelms Mithila

    Chhath:Festive ambience overwhelms Mithila

    Exploring the Historical and Mythological Aspects of Pachali Bhairav

    Exploring the Historical and Mythological Aspects of Pachali Bhairav

    Sikali Jatra Celebrates in Khokana (Photo Feature)

    Sikali Jatra Celebrates in Khokana (Photo Feature)

    Discovering the Rich History and Cultural Heritage of Mustang Valley

    Discovering the Rich History and Cultural Heritage of Mustang Valley

    Collective Worship of 504 Kumari Girls Marks Second Day of Indra Jatra

    Collective Worship of 504 Kumari Girls Marks Second Day of Indra Jatra

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    Chef Kumar Chalise: A Culinary Ambassador Elevating Nepali Cuisine to Global Heights

    Chef Kumar Chalise: A Culinary Ambassador Elevating Nepali Cuisine to Global Heights

    Maithili Cuisine: A Potential Top Pick on the Global Menu

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    Unlocking Nepal’s Hidden Wonders: The Thrill of Canyoning

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    Discover the Charm of Agro Tourism in Nepal: Engaging with Rural Villagers in a Unique Cultural Experience.

    Discover the Charm of Agro Tourism in Nepal: Engaging with Rural Villagers in a Unique Cultural Experience.

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  • Interview
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    Bardia Nature Guides are Tiger-savvy: Pawan Kumar Thapa, President,  Nature Guide Association, Thakurdwara.

    Bardia Nature Guides are Tiger-savvy: Pawan Kumar Thapa, President,  Nature Guide Association, Thakurdwara.

    National Nature Conservation Trust (NTNC) is the mother of community- based Conservation

    National Nature Conservation Trust (NTNC) is the mother of community- based Conservation

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    The Great Karnali Quest: a 248-Kilometer Rafting is held in nepal, what you know about it

    The Great Karnali Quest: a 248-Kilometer Rafting is held in nepal, what you know about it

    Boris Lissanevitch and his second wife, Inger. Photo: Betty Woodsend

    The Adventurous Journey of Boris Lissanevitch and the Birth of Nepal’s Tourism Industry

    Dharan locals want back land they sold to airport

    Dharan locals want back land they sold to airport

    Have you seen inside an elephants mouth?

    Have you seen inside an elephants mouth?

    SAND MINING: A GRAVE THREAT TO GHARIAL AND OTHER AQUATIC SPECIES IN THE NARAYANI RIVER

    SAND MINING: A GRAVE THREAT TO GHARIAL AND OTHER AQUATIC SPECIES IN THE NARAYANI RIVER

    Nepal’s Focus: Tiger Management & Habitat Enhancement in Decade Ahead

    Nepal’s Focus: Tiger Management & Habitat Enhancement in Decade Ahead

    Sarus Crane Population Rises in Nepal, Conservation Remains a Challenge

    “Madrasa Education’s Vital Role in Sarus Crane Conservation”

    Sarus Crane Population Rises in Nepal, Conservation Remains a Challenge

    Sarus Crane Population Rises in Nepal, Conservation Remains a Challenge

    Bardia Nature Guides are Tiger-savvy: Pawan Kumar Thapa, President,  Nature Guide Association, Thakurdwara.

    Bardia Nature Guides are Tiger-savvy: Pawan Kumar Thapa, President,  Nature Guide Association, Thakurdwara.

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Raja Gaj’s Legacy and the Ongoing Battle for Elephant Conservation in Nepal

Raju Jhallu Prasad by Raju Jhallu Prasad
October 8, 2023
in Eco Toursim, National Parks and Wildlife
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Raja Gaj’s Mysterious Disappearance: Raja Gaj, once the world’s largest Asian elephant, vanished from southwestern Nepal in 2007 at approximately 70 years old. Its initial sighting in 1992 at Bardiya National Park captured Nepal’s admiration.
Enduring Legacy of Raja Gaj: Raja Gaj, standing at 11 feet 3 inches during its final sighting in 2007, remains a symbol of Nepal’s wildlife pride. It boasted the largest tusks observed in Bardiya National Park, leaving a lasting impression. A memorial pillar, the “Raja Gaj Stambha,” erected by passionate locals, preserves its name and legacy, amid ongoing conservation challenges and allegations against local NGOs.

  • Raju Jhallu Prassad

On World Elephant Day 2080, the Terai region of Nepal is abuzz with activities dedicated to the conservation of elephants. Various reserves and protected areas are hosting events that encompass feeding elephants with fruits, tree planting, observing their behavior, discussing their habitats, and devising future conservation strategies.

In this context, we delve into the intriguing tale of ‘Raja Gaj,’ the world’s largest Asian elephant, a once-revered symbol in Nepal. This majestic creature vanished from its southwestern Nepalese habitat in December 2007, never to be seen again. At the time of its disappearance, Raja Gaj was believed to be around 70 years old.

Raja Gaj first made its mark in Bardiya National Park, drawing the admiration of the region and the nation. Its initial sighting in 1992 marked the beginning of its legacy, and it continued to captivate hearts until the last sighting in 2007 in the village of Kailashi, where it stood an impressive 11 feet 3 inches tall, making it the tallest known Asian elephant at that time. No other elephant in Bardiya National Park has been observed with tusks larger than Raja Gaj’s.

Back in 1992, the intrepid British explorer Sir John Blashford-Snell ventured through the remote Bardia region, spurred by reports of “giant elephants.” His search led to the sighting and photographing of two immense bull elephants, living up to their colossal reputation. Their footprints measured a staggering 22.5 inches across, and their shoulder height reached an astounding 11 feet 3 inches, surpassing the size of the largest-ever recorded Asian elephant specimen.

The circumstances surrounding Raja Gaj’s demise remain shrouded in uncertainty. Official records suggest it met its end in an unfortunate train accident in India, but this remains unconfirmed. Despite the passage of years, the quest to find historical elephants that bring honor to the country, like Raja Gaj, has been unsuccessful. There have been allegations against local non-governmental organizations involved in elephant conservation, accusing them of ineffectiveness and financial mismanagement.

In the wake of Raja Gaj’s loss, concerned locals, particularly those passionate about conservation, have taken action. The Anti-Poaching Youth Movement, driven by the legacy of Raja Gaj, erected a monumental pillar known as ‘KHAMARI.’ This impressive memorial, named “Raja Gaj Stambha,” was meticulously crafted from a single piece of wood over a year, ensuring that Raja Gaj’s name endures.

Bardiya isn’t merely renowned for its rare one-horned rhinos; it is a crucial haven for the world’s largest Asian elephants. Ramesh Thapa, the former warden of the national park, managed to capture the last known photograph of Raja Gaj near the Gholti River, west of Gandha Machan, during the Falgun of the year 2063 B.S. By this time, Raja Gaj was over 70 years old.

In the Himalayan nation, an endangered species, there exist approximately 250 Asian elephants, with around 100 of them domesticated and employed for activities such as elephant polo and safaris in national parks.

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Raju Jhallu Prasad

Raju Jhallu Prasad

Raju Jhallu Prassad, who is also recognized as Rajendra Bhatta, has thrived in the field of journalism for seven fruitful years. Currently, he holds the position of Chief Editor at Tourshala, focusing his expertise on Environmental Journalism. His wide-ranging interests encompass History, Culture, Tourism, Theatre, and Literature. Beyond his journalism career, Raju is a dedicated researcher, an enthusiastic traveler, a prolific writer, and a passionate student of theater. You can get in touch with him at raju.tourshala@gmail.com or jhalludurbar@gmail.com.

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