06 Oct, 2025

Elephant Calf Born at Kaziranga Named ‘Mayabini’ to Honor Singer Zubeen Garg – A Touching Moment in the Wild

Recently, the nation has witnessed an emotional gesture that combined wildlife conservation and cultural tribute: Kaziranga National Park in Assam has named its newly born elephant calf Mayabini, after the deceased iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg and his famous song, "Mayabini Ratir Bukut." The female calf was born on October 4, 2025, to a matriarch elephant called Kuwari. Both the baby and mama elephant are reported to be in good health. The revelation of the name was done by Assam's Forest and Environment Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on the occasion of World Animal Day, noting that it represents new life, hope, and a harmonious existence in the wild, whilst carrying forward the enduring legacy of one of Assam’s most celebrated cultural figures.

Mama Elephant, Her Calf’s naming, Symbolism and Cultural Connection

The mama elephant, Kuwari, is among the oldest in Kazirnga who is said to have served the Assam Forest Department for decades. This new calf is Kuwari's second identified offspring; her first was Griharaj, who was born many years ago.

Heartening news on #WorldAnimalDay — Kuwari, the elephant of @kaziranga_ has given birth to a healthy female calf! With immense affection and public goodwill, we’ve named her “MAYABINI” — a symbol of new life, hope, and harmony in the wild.@himantabiswa @CMOfficeAssam… pic.twitter.com/JcPljdN6IU
— Chandra Mohan Patowary (@cmpatowary) October 4, 2025

The name "Mayabini" is derived from the song Mayabini Ratir Bukut, which was an immensely emotional composition by Zubeen Garg, cherished as an emotional touchstone in Assam.
Zubeen Garg had once stated "Mayabini Ratir Bukut" should be sung at the time of his demise, a wish that his fans and family indeed kept alive. The song was sung at his last rites procession that took place recently.
In addition to Zubeen’s iconic music and artistic contributions, he was also known to have profound empathy for animals. He helped coordinate veterinary care for sick, injured and abandoned wildlife beings and was constantly involved in wildlife rehabilitation in Assam during floods and other emergencies.
His activism and relationship to the natural world made the tribute via naming an elephant especially poignant for many in Assam. Thus, making the choice of calf’s name deeply symbolic, after being taken in consultation with public sentiment.