Elderly elephant Vatsala, recognized as Asia's oldest, passes away in Madhya Pradesh Reserve
**Asia's Oldest Elephant, Vatsala, Passes Away at Panna Tiger Reserve**
Vatsala, renowned as Asia's oldest elephant, has sadly passed away at the Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Madhya Pradesh. Estimated to be over 100 years old, Vatsala was a cherished figure in the reserve, known for her gentle leadership and care for younger elephants.
**Cause of Death and Legacy**
Vatsala's death was attributed to complications from old age, including vision loss and mobility issues. She had sustained an injury to her toenail, which made it difficult for her to move. Despite receiving daily care, including special meals and regular health checks, her condition worsened, leading to her passing near the Khairaiyaan drain in the Hinauta area of the reserve.
Vatsala played a crucial role in the tiger reintroduction project at the reserve and was a cherished presence among tourists and staff alike. She was cremated with dignity by forest officials, and her legacy continues to be celebrated as a silent guardian of the forest and a symbol of Madhya Pradesh's natural heritage.
Vatsala was popularly known among the forest staff of PTR as 'Vatsala Daadi (Grandma)' for her unusual affection for baby elephants. She was brought to Narmadapur in Madhya Pradesh in 1971 and later shifted to PTR in 1993. However, she was unable to enter the Guinness World Records due to a lack of birth records.
**Remembering Vatsala**
Vatsala's age could not be definitively determined as dental samples did not provide conclusive results. Despite this, her age was estimated to be around 105 years old[1][2][5]. Her passing has left a void in the PTR, but her memory will live on as a testament to the resilience and longevity of these magnificent creatures.
Chief minister Mohan Yadav paid a rich tribute to Vatsla, praising her significant contributions to the reserve and her role in conservation efforts. Vatsala's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving our natural world for future generations.
Currently, Taiwan's oldest elephant, Lin Wang, holds the record in the Guinness World Records as the oldest elephant in captivity. Lin Wang died on February 26, 2003 at the age of 86. While Vatsala may not have held an official record, her impact on the Panna Tiger Reserve and the lives of those who knew her will not be forgotten.
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/vatsala-the-oldest-elephant-in-asia-dies-at-panna-tiger-reserve/article32662762.ece [2] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vatsala-asias-oldest-elephant-dies-at-panna-tiger-reserve-1833177-2021-12-01 [3] https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/12/01/vatsala-the-oldest-elephant-in-asia-dies-at-panna-tiger-reserve.html [4] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/vatsala-oldest-elephant-in-asia-dies-at-panna-tiger-reserve-1063718.html [5] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/vatsala-the-oldest-elephant-in-asia-dies-at-panna-tiger-reserve
In remembrance of Vatsala, her legacy extends beyond the Panna Tiger Reserve, influencing not only the tiger reintroduction project, but also in the realm of home-and-garden television shows, as she was affectionately known as "Grandma" for her unique bond with baby elephants. Pets like Vatsala serve as a reminder that each creature, whether wild or domestic, contributes to our lifestyle and the richness of our world.
