Kathmandu: Nepal formally presented a pair of elephants to Qatar during a ceremony held on December 17 at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.
An announcement in this regard was made on behalf of the Government and the people of Nepal by the President of Nepal, Ramchandra Paudel, during the historic first visit to Nepal by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, on 23-24 April 2024, and in response to formal requests conveyed by the Government of Qatar through diplomatic channels.
The presentation was carried out in accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Nepal dated October 18 2024, symbolizing the enduring friendship and goodwill of the Nepali people towards the State of Qatar.
The elephants presented are Khagendra Prasad, a six-year-old male, and Rudrakali, a seven-year-old female, both born at the Elephant Breeding Center in Khorsor under Chitwan National Park on 25 October 2019 and 9 October 2018, respectively. They will be housed at Al Khor Park Zoo in the State of Qatar.
Prior to the transfer, a technical team from Nepal conducted a comprehensive assessment of the elephant enclosures, management and husbandry arrangements at Al Khor Park Zoo. Based on the findings of this assessment, and in full conformity with Nepal’s national laws and the relevant international conventions to which Nepal is a State Party, the transfer of the elephants was carried out accordingly.
Following the completion of all requisite procedures in line with international wildlife-related instruments and the prevailing laws of Nepal, including the issuance of CITES permits and comprehensive health certification, the elephants were dispatched to Doha from the Airport, via a specially arranged cargo aircraft operated by Qatar Airways.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of the Government of Nepal, along with senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, the Nepali Army, the Embassy of Qatar in Nepal, Chitwan National Park, the National Trust for Nature Conservation, the Natural History Museum, government officials from Rupandehi District, and members of the media.
Arrangements have also been made for two experienced mahouts and one animal technician from Nepal to accompany the elephants to Qatar and remain at Al Khor Park Zoo for approximately one month to support their care and acclimatization, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal.
“Nepal and the State of Qatar enjoy warm, cordial and friendly relations characterized by mutual respect, goodwill and cooperation. This initiative is expected to further deepen friendly relations between Nepal and the State of Qatar, strengthen bilateral cooperation, including the continued facilitation of employment opportunities for Nepali nationals in Qatar, and promote closer collaboration in wildlife conservation,” Foreign Ministry statement reads.
The Nepal government also expressed its sincere appreciation to all relevant stakeholders for their invaluable cooperation and coordination in ensuring the successful implementation of this initiative.
