Vatsala, believed to be Asia’s oldest elephant, died at the age of over 100 on Tuesday at the Panna Tiger Reserve. Forest officials and staff performed her last rites with full respect.
Vatsala was a beloved figure at the reserve. Tourists admired her, and younger elephants followed her lead. Her long life and gentle presence left a deep impact on both visitors and staff.
Originally from Kerala, Vatsala was brought to Narmadapuram and later shifted to Panna. There, she became the matriarch of the elephant group and played a grandmotherly role when others gave birth.
In her final days, Vatsala suffered from injuries to the nails of her front legs. She sat down near the Khairaiyaan drain in the Hinauta range.
Despite repeated efforts by forest officials to help her stand, she passed away in the afternoon.
Age had taken its toll. Vatsala had lost her eyesight and could no longer walk long distances. Yet, the forest staff continued to care for her. They kept her at the Hinauta Elephant Camp, bathed her daily at Khairaiyaan, and fed her porridge.
Veterinarians and wildlife experts monitored her health regularly. Their care allowed her to live more than a century, even in the harsh, dry conditions of the forest.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid tribute to Vatsala on the social media platform.
Taking to X, he posted, “The century-long companionship of ‘Vatsala’ came to a pause today. This afternoon, ‘Vatsala’ took her final breath at Panna Tiger Reserve. She was not merely an elephant; she was the silent guardian of our forests, a friend to generations, and a symbol of Madhya Pradesh’s emotions.”
“This beloved member of the Tiger Reserve carried a sea of experiences in her eyes and warmth in her presence. She led the group of camp elephants and, as a grandmother, lovingly cared for the elephant calves. Though she is no longer among us today, her memories will forever live in our soil and hearts. Humble tributes to ‘Vatsala’!” the post further added.
‘वत्सला’ का सौ वर्षों का साथ आज विराम पर पहुंचा। पन्ना टाइगर रिज़र्व में आज दोपहर ‘वत्सला’ ने अंतिम सांस ली।
वह मात्र हथिनी नहीं थी, हमारे जंगलों की मूक संरक्षक, पीढ़ियों की सखी और मप्र की संवेदनाओं की प्रतीक थीं।
टाइगर रिज़र्व की यह प्रिय सदस्य अपनी आंखों में अनुभवों का सागर… pic.twitter.com/u8a6ZBAKEj
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) July 8, 2025
Vatsala’s passing marks the end of an era at Panna. Her story remains a powerful symbol of care, survival, and the bond between humans and wildlife.
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