In the remote forests of Samdrup Jongkhar, a heartwarming story of compassion and conservation is unfolding. Seven months ago, officials from the Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary rescued a young elephant calf found alone and helpless in the wild. Today, that calf — now named Karma Raygel — is thriving under the devoted care of his caretaker, Namgay Dorji.
Each morning, Karma greets Namgay with eager trumpets, anticipating his milk. “I take care of him like a child,” Namgay shares warmly. “He enjoys staying here, playing and interacting with people.” Over the past seven months, Namgay has bottle-fed Karma, bathed him, and monitored his growth with the tenderness of a parent.
The sanctuary’s team initially tried to locate Karma’s herd in hopes of reuniting them, but the efforts proved unsuccessful. Left without a family in the wild, Karma has since bonded deeply with his human caregivers. Wherever Namgay goes, the calf follows closely — a gentle reminder of how deeply animals can form connections when given care and trust.
Playful and full of energy, Karma spends much of his time exploring and engaging in his favorite pastime: football. With surprising agility, he chases and kicks the ball across the grounds, delighting foresters and visitors alike. Like a growing child, his development is carefully tracked — foresters measure his legs, trunk, and other body parts monthly to ensure he’s on a healthy path.
Despite the joy surrounding Karma’s progress, caring for him has not been without challenges. The sanctuary lacks a veterinary doctor, and his daily feeding costs are substantial. “We feed him Lactogen milk — about three packets a day — each costing around Nu 500,” said Ugyen Tshering, Chief Forestry Officer of the Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary. “It’s both rewarding and difficult, but seeing him grow makes it worth it.”
Generous donations have helped sustain Karma’s care. Private individuals contributed Nu 300,000, while the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation provided an additional Nu 300,000 to support his shelter and feeding expenses for six months.
Because Karma was orphaned too young, he cannot be released back into the wild. “He wouldn’t survive on his own,” explained officials. “Even if taken to the forest, he would likely return.” Instead, plans are underway to relocate him to Royal Manas National Park, where he will join other rescued elephants in a safer, more natural habitat once he matures.
Karma Raygel’s story is more than just one of survival — it’s a symbol of Bhutan’s commitment to wildlife protection. Of the four elephant calves rescued so far by the sanctuary, only two have survived. Each represents hope for the conservation of Bhutan’s majestic elephants, whose presence helps maintain the health and diversity of the country’s forests.
In the tender bond between Namgay and Karma lies a quiet message — that the fight for conservation is not only about protecting species, but also about nurturing the connections that make life itself sacred.
