Asia's oldest elephant 'Vatsala' dies aged 100+ in Madhya Pradesh

Vatsala played the role of grandmother whenever other elephants gave birth to calves, and she was the centre of attraction for tourists who came to see her, according to a statement.

Asia's oldest elephant, named 'Vatsala', died on Tuesday, whose age is said to be more than 100 years.

Vatsala was brought to Narmadapuram from Kerala and later shifted to the Panna Tiger Reserve.

As per a statement, Vatsala was the oldest in the reserve and she led the group of elephants, reported PTI.

Vatsala played the role of grandmother whenever other elephants gave birth to calves, the statement said, adding that she was the centre of attraction for tourists who came to see her.

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.

According to the statement, forest department made efforts to lift her, however she died on Tuesday. The statement said she was kept in Hinauta Elephant Camp and taken to Khairaiyaan drain every day for bathing and given porridge to eat.

Due to her age, Vatsala could not see or walk long distances, and her health was monitored by vets and wildlife experts.

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh paid tributes on Vatsala and in a post on X he called her "silent protector of forests, a friend of generations and a symbol of Madhya Pradesh's sensibilities."

"Vatsala's hundred years of association came to an end today. Vatsala breathed her last this afternoon in Panna Tiger Reserve. She was not just a female elephant, she was the silent protector of our forests, a friend of generations and a symbol of Madhya Pradesh's sensibilities. This beloved member of the Tiger Reserve had an ocean of experiences in her eyes and intimacy in her being," CM wrote

"She led the group of elephants in the camp and also lovingly took care of the baby elephants by acting as a grandmother. She is not amongst us today, but her memories will always remain alive in our soil and mind. Humble tribute to Vatsala!" the post further read.

(With PTI inputs)