Chitwan: Two elephant calves born at the Elephant Breeding and Training Centre in Khorsor, Chitwan National Park, are set to be sent to Qatar on December 17. The calves, named Rudrakali and Khagendra Prasad, have been raised and trained at the breeding centre and are currently sheltered in Sauraha Hattisar. Rudrakali is seven years old, while Khagendra Prasad is six.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dr. Haribhadra Acharya, the Information Officer of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, confirmed that the calves will be transported to Qatar via a chartered cargo plane departing from Bhairahawa International Airport. Preparations are underway to transfer the elephants from Sauraha to Bhairahawa a day before the flight, aligning with the plane’s schedule and considering road conditions. The elephants will be housed at Al Khor Park’s zoo in Doha, Qatar.
Information Officer Acharya also stated that two mahouts, led by park animal technician Dinesh Dhakal, will accompany the calves to Qatar. The team will return to Nepal once they ensure the proper management of the elephants in their new environment.
Nepal has a history of gifting wildlife, such as one-horned rhinoceroses and elephants, to strengthen diplomatic ties and highlight its biodiversity globally. However, this marks the first instance of Nepal sending elephants as a gift to another nation. The elephant breeding centre, established in 2044 B.S. with elephants from India, Myanmar, and Thailand, has successfully bred and raised 68 elephants to date.
Since 1985, Nepal has gifted 26 rhinos, 10 tortoises, one wolf, and two leopards to various countries. The commitment to gift elephants to Qatar was made during the official visit of then-President Bidya Devi Bhandari in 2018.