In the midst of Assam's worst floods in recent memory, Kaziranga National Park has reported the tragic loss of 159 wild animals due to drowning and during treatment, with an additional 133 animals successfully rescued as of Tuesday, according to officials.

The toll of animal fatalities rose from 137 reported on Monday amidst the second wave of floods that have engulfed the entire state.

Among the deceased animals are nine rhinos, 142 hog deer, two sambar deer, one rhesus macaque, and an otter.

Twenty-two animals, including 17 hog deer, three swamp deer, a rhesus macaque, and an otter pup, succumbed while receiving medical care.

Forest authorities managed to rescue 120 hog deer, three swamp deer, two rhinos, two sambar deer, an elephant, a scops owl, an Indian hare, a rhesus macaque, an otter, and a jungle cat.

Currently, seven animals remain under medical supervision, while 111 others have been successfully treated and released back into their habitat.

This flood event marks the most severe deluge Kaziranga National Park has faced in recent years, with the last major devastation occurring in 2017, resulting in over 350 wildlife deaths from floodwaters and vehicular accidents during migration through animal corridors to higher ground.

In a separate successful rescue operation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the reunion of an elephant separated from its herd in Tezpur, achieved through collaborative efforts between the Sonitpur West Division forest department and the public within three days.

As of Tuesday evening, 62 out of 233 camps in the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division remain inundated, down from 70 the previous day, impacting operations where forest department personnel and security staff reside to conduct patrols for the protection of flora and fauna.