Asia’s Oldest Elephant ‘Vatsala’ Dies At 100 In Panna Tiger Reserve

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 ‘X’. “The century-long companionship of ‘Vatsala’ came to a pause today,” he wrote.

The CM described her as more than just an elephant. “She was the silent guardian of our forests, a friend to generations, and a symbol of Madhya Pradesh’s emotions,” he said.

“She led the camp elephant group and nurtured calves with affection. Though she is gone, her memory lives on in our hearts and the very soil of the forest,” he added.

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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