At 57, ‘Anarkali’ Becomes a Mother Again

In a historic and heartwarming development, Anarkali — a 57-year-old female elephant at Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) — has given birth to twin female calves, a phenomenon so rare that even wildlife experts are calling it a “miracle of nature.” This is the first recorded instance of twin elephant births in the reserve’s history.

A Rare Wildlife Event

The twin calves were born on Saturday, three hours apart.
Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Gupta described the event as “extraordinary and extremely uncommon, even in protected habitats.”

PTR, globally renowned for its tiger population, is also home to a strong elephant workforce, and this rare birth has sparked excitement among wildlife researchers, forest officers and conservationists.

Elephant Population Rises to 21

With the arrival of the twins, the total number of elephants in Panna Tiger Reserve has now increased to 21.
PTR Field Director Naresh Singh Yadav confirmed that special care arrangements have been put in place for both the newborn calves and their mother.

Anarkali Receiving Special Nutrition

Anarkali is currently being provided with a highly nutritious diet including:

• Dalia
• Sugarcane
• Jaggery
• Pure ghee laddoos

A dedicated team has been appointed to monitor the health and nourishment of the newborns round the clock.

A Veteran of Conservation Efforts

Anarkali is no ordinary elephant. She was brought to PTR in 1986 and has since played a crucial role in the reserve’s wildlife protection operations.
Over the years, she has given birth to six calves, but this is the first time she has delivered twin female calves.

Forest staff recall her sharp instincts — she often senses the presence of poachers or illegal woodcutters, and has even been known to chase intruders by throwing stones using her trunk.

Backbone of Patrolling & Rescue Missions

During monsoons, when forest routes become inaccessible for vehicles, elephants like Anarkali play a vital role in:

• Tiger tracking
• Patrolling operations
• Anti-poaching surveillance
• Critical rescue missions

For PTR, the birth of her twins is not just a joyous moment but also a positive sign for strengthening its elephant patrolling unit, which is essential for tiger conservation.

About Panna Tiger Reserve

PTR is India’s 22nd tiger reserve and the 5th in Madhya Pradesh.
Spread across the Vindhya mountain ranges in Panna and Chhatarpur districts, the reserve is internationally acclaimed not only for its landmark tiger reintroduction program but also for:

• Mugger crocodile rehabilitation
• Vulture conservation initiatives