Vatsala-Asia’s oldest elephant dies at Panna Tiger Reserve

‘Vatsala’, believed to be Asia’s oldest elephant and affectionately known as “India’s beloved grandmother,” passed away at the remarkable age of over 100 years at the Panna Tiger Reserve. Her death marks the end of an era for the forest she had helped guard for decades.

Here are the key points regarding Vatsala:

• Age and Title: Vatsala was believed to be over 100 years old, making her potentially Asia’s oldest elephant. She was widely referred to as “Dadi” (grandmother) or “India’s beloved grandmother.”
• Location of Demise: She died at the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, where she had found her home.
• Last Rites: Her last rites were respectfully performed by the officers and employees of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
• Journey to Panna: Vatsala was initially brought to Narmadapuram from Kerala and subsequently shifted to Madhya Pradesh’s Panna Tiger Reserve.
• Role in the Herd: She played a crucial role within the elephant community at the reserve, often assuming the role of a grandmother figure to calves born to other female elephants.
• Legacy: Her passing signifies the end of an era for the forest and the community that revered her, recognizing her decades of service and guardianship.