CHITWAN: Two elephant calves born at the Elephant Breeding and Training Centre in Khorsor, Chitwan National Park, are scheduled to be sent to Qatar on December 17.
The calves, named Rudrakali and Khagendra Prasad, were raised and trained at the breeding centre and are currently sheltered at Sauraha Hattisar. Rudrakali is seven years old, while Khagendra Prasad is six.
Dr. Haribhadra Acharya, Information Officer at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, stated that the elephants will be transported via a chartered cargo plane from Bhairahawa International Airport.
Preparations are underway to move the elephants from Sauraha to Bhairahawa a day prior, after coordinating with the flight schedule and assessing road conditions. The calves are destined for Al Khor Park Zoo in Doha, Qatar.
Two mahouts will accompany the calves under the supervision of park animal technician Dinesh Dhakal. They will return to Nepal after ensuring the elephants are properly settled.
Nepal has previously gifted wildlife, including one-horned rhinoceroses and elephants, to friendly nations to strengthen bilateral relations and highlight the country’s rich biodiversity. Dr. Acharya noted that this is the first time Nepal is sending elephants as a diplomatic gift.
The Elephant Breeding Centre, established in 2044 B.S. with 16 elephants from India, two from Myanmar, and two from Thailand, has so far bred and raised 68 elephants, of which six have died. Currently, 61 elephants have been trained at the centre.
Since 1985, Nepal has gifted 26 rhinos, 10 tortoises, one wolf, and two leopards to various countries. The decision to send elephants to Qatar was first committed during the official visit of then-President Bidya Devi Bhandari in 2018.
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