Mother and daughter narrowly escape rhino attack during Kaziranga safari

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 6, 2025

A mother and her young daughter had a close brush with danger in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) when they fell off a safari vehicle near two rhinos on January 3. The incident occurred around 4 pm at the Western Range Bagori and was captured on video by a foreign tourist, going viral on social media on Monday.

The pair fell from an open Gypsy (registration No. AS02AR6893) when the driver, Arman Hussain, accelerated suddenly, fearing a potential rhino attack as the vehicle neared Western Range Bagori. The video shows two rhinos near the accident site.

Kaziranga National Park Director Sonali Ghosh stated that forest guard Marsida Begum, who was nearby, quickly informed the range officer and assisted in rescuing the tourists.

“The injured were taken to Kuthori for medical treatment in the same Gypsy. A team of forest personnel later visited the medical centre to assess the situation. Thankfully, both sustained only minor injuries,” Ghosh said.

Driver Arman Hussain, the owner of the Gypsy, reported to authorities that the sudden speed increase was prompted by a rhino chasing the vehicle. He identified the injured as his own relatives—his nephew and granddaughter—and took full responsibility for their medical care.

KNP officials reminded tourists to exercise caution and strictly adhere to park safety guidelines during safaris.

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to nearly 3,000 greater one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as wild buffalo, elephants, swamp deer, and tigers. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and adherence to rules to ensure visitor safety amidst the park’s thriving wildlife.