Asia's oldest elephant 'Vatsala' dies at Panna Tiger Reserve; MP CM pays tributes

'Vatsala', considered to be Asia's oldest elephant, died on Tuesday at the age of more than 100 years at the the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, an official said.

The female elephant was brought to Narmadapuram from Kerala and later shifted to the Panna Tiger Reserve.

"Vatsala was considered to be Asia's oldest elephant. Her last rites were performed by officers and employees of the Panna Tiger Reserve," a statement said.

For years, Vatsala was centre of attraction for tourists and being the oldest, she led the entire group of elephants in the reserve.

When other female elephants gave birth to calves, she used to play the role of a grandmother, said the statement.

Vatsala sat down near Khairaiyaan drain in the Hinauta area of the reserve due to injuries in nails of her front legs. Forest department personnel made a lot of efforts to lift her, but the elephant died in the afternoon, it said.

Due to old age, Vatsala had lost her eyesight and was unable to walk long distances.

The statement said she was kept in Hinauta Elephant Camp and taken to Khairaiyaan drain every day for bathing and given porridge to eat.

The health of Vatsala was being examined regularly by veterinarians and wildlife experts at the tiger reserve in Panna district. Due to proper care, Vatsala lived a long life in sparse and dry forest area of the reserve, it said.

Paying glowing tributes to the elephant, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, in a post on 'X', said, "The century-long companionship of 'Vatsala' came to a pause today. This afternoon, 'Vatsala' took her final breath at the Panna Tiger Reserve.

He said the elephant lovingly cared for calves and was a symbol of Madhya Pradesh's emotions.

"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," the CM noted.

"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'!, Yadav added.