Key points
- Vatsala was a beloved figure at Panna Reserve
- She led camp elephants
- Vatsala’s health declined due to age
ISLAMABAD: “Vatsala”, believed to be Asia’s oldest elephant, passed away on Tuesday (8 July 2025) at the age of over 100, according to officials at the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
The female elephant was originally brought to Narmadapuram from Kerala and later relocated to the Panna Tiger Reserve, according to The Hindu.
“Vatsala was regarded as Asia’s oldest elephant. Her last rites were carried out by officers and staff of the Panna Tiger Reserve,” read an official statement.
Over the years, Vatsala became a major attraction for visitors and, owing to her age, took on the role of leader among the group of elephants at the reserve.
She was affectionately referred to as a grandmother figure, especially when other female elephants gave birth to calves, the statement noted.
Final days
In her final days, Vatsala had sat down near the Khairaiyaan drain in the Hinauta range of the reserve, suffering from injuries to the nails of her front legs. Despite considerable efforts by forest officials to assist her, the elephant passed away on Tuesday afternoon.
Due to her advanced age, Vatsala had lost her eyesight and was no longer able to walk long distances.
She had been kept at the Hinauta Elephant Camp, where she was taken daily to the Khairaiyaan drain for bathing and was fed porridge. Her health was regularly monitored by veterinarians and wildlife experts. Thanks to consistent care, Vatsala lived a long life in the arid forest landscape of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
Majestic elephant
Paying tribute to the majestic elephant, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav shared a message on ‘X’, stating: “The century-long companionship of ‘Vatsala’ came to a pause today. This afternoon, she breathed her last at Panna Tiger Reserve.”
He praised the elephant for her nurturing presence and emotional connection with the people of Madhya Pradesh.
‘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
“She was not merely an elephant; she was the silent guardian of our forests, a friend across generations, and a symbol of Madhya Pradesh’s emotional spirit. This cherished member of the Tiger Reserve carried a wealth of experience in her gaze and warmth in her presence,” the Chief Minister said.
“She led the camp elephants and lovingly cared for the young calves, like a grandmother. Although she is no longer with us, her memory will live on in our land and hearts. Heartfelt tributes to Vatsala,” he added.
