- Phaphori was brought from Guwahati in 2012; last rites performed following a post-mortem
Sad news has emerged from the Nandanvan Zoo and Jungle Safari, located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. A 25-year-old female Himalayan bear named ‘Phaphori’ passed away around midnight on October 19, 2026. According to the safari management, her death was due to old age.
- Brought from Guwahati
According to information provided by the Jungle Safari management, Phaphori was brought to Raipur from the Guwahati Zoo in Assam in 2012, under an animal exchange program. She was 12 years old at the time and had been living there ever since.
- Last rites performed with formal honors
Following her death in the Himalayan bear enclosure at Nandanvan Zoo, a post-mortem was conducted by a wildlife veterinarian in accordance with established protocols. Subsequently, her last rites were performed with due solemnity, in the presence of the safari management and staff responsible for the care of the animals.
Present on the occasion were the Director of Nandanvan Zoo and Jungle Safari (who also serves as the Divisional Forest Officer), Mr. Pankaj Rajput, along with the Assistant Director, various other Forest Department officials and staff, animal caretakers, and security personnel. The Jungle Safari management and the staff who looked after her have expressed deep grief over Phaphori’s passing. The management of Nandanvan Zoo and Jungle Safari stated that they remain fully committed to the regular care, health monitoring, and conservation of the wildlife, ensuring that all necessary arrangements are always in place.