24 Nov, 2025

Wildlife History: Elephant Anarkali Gives Birth to Twin Calves at Panna Tiger Reserve

In an extraordinary event for wildlife, a 57-year-old elephant born in captivity named Anarkali gave birth to twin female calves at Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh on 21 November 2025, marking the first ever recorded case of elephant twins born in Madhya Pradesh. The two calves were born three and a half hours apart. Officials note that both the calves and the mother are in good health and being closely monitored.

This unusual twin birth is considered a remarkable occasion because twin births in elephant calves are quite rare even in protected areas. For Panna Tiger Reserve, which is already known for its success stories of wildlife conservation, this event adds an exciting chapter to its burgeoning reputation for wildlife conservation in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Having been in the care of the forest department as a long-serving and experienced she-elephant, Anarkali has been an important part of patrol and management activities inside the reserve.

Furthermore, the birth is even more remarkable due to Anarkali's age of approximately 57 years, which adds scientific and sentimental significance to her success.

Forest officials are committed to assisting Anarkali by providing a nutritious diet, coupled with the watchful eye of veterinarians, which is helping Anarkali recover from the stresses of her postpartum stage. The twin calves are also being monitored regularly for signs of early development, feeding, and bonding behavior.

These calves are expected to reinforce the reserve’s captive elephant population and provide substantial contributions to the ongoing effort to conserve elephants in India.

With this rare event being made known to the outside world, an emphasis is not only placed on the importance of scientific management of protected areas, but it also illustrates the quiet miracles that continue to take place among India's forests.