In the Sal forests of Western Nepal there is a wild life reserve known as the Bardia National Park. Here, in 1992, John Blashford-Snell (JBS) and a team from the Scientific Exploration Society discovered the largest elephant ever seen in the Indian sub-continent.
Standing 11 ‘3″ at the shoulder, the giant individual turned out to be an unusual Asian elephant with a pronounced domed head.
The discovery of Raja Gaj or King Elephant as he became known, led the Nepalese Wildlife Department to protect the area and this also preserved the endangered Indian rhino, the Bengal tiger and other animals and birds living in this sanctuary.
JBS, who always incorporates a Burns Supper into each of his expeditions, is holding a tin of Stahly’s Royal Haggis .
