BHOPAL: Vatsala, claimed by the MP govt to be the oldest female elephant in Asia, passed away on Tuesday in the Hinouta range of Panna Tiger Reserve. She was believed to be 100+ years old.Chief minister Mohan Yadav took to X to post his tributes to Vatsala, who was brought from Kerala to Narmadapuram and later shifted to the Panna Tiger Reserve.

Vatsala: Matriarch of the elephant camp passes away

In his post the chief minister wrote, "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 elephant was cremated with full care and respect by the officials and staff of the reserve.

Vatsala had long been a major attraction for tourists visiting the reserve. As the oldest elephant in the herd, it naturally assumed a leadership role and played the role of a grandmother or elder figure for newborn calves, especially during and after the birthing of younger female elephants.According to the field director of Panna Tiger Reserve, Vatsala had been resting near Khairaiya Nala in the Hinouta range due to a broken toenail on one of her front legs.

Despite the forest staff's efforts to help her stand, it breathed her last by noon.The elephant had lost her eyesight and could not walk long distances due to its age. As a result, Vatsala was no longer used for patrolling duties and was kept at the Hinouta elephant camp and was taken daily to Khairaiya Nala for bathing and was fed a diet of porridge.Wildlife veterinarians and specialists from the reserve regularly monitored Vatsala's health, which contributed to her long life in the dry and rare ecosystem of the Panna Tiger Reserve. Vatsala also played an important role in the reserve's tiger reintroduction program.