Vatsala, the purportedly oldest elephant in Asia, died on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, aged more than 100 years old in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna Tiger Reserve, confirmed forest officials.
Vatsala was first brought to Narmadapuram from Kerala and later transferred to Panna, and over time became a revered figure at the reserve. Forest staff, tourists, and wildlife enthusiasts alike held her in deep respect, and she was the matriarch of the reserve’s elephant family for many decades.
“Vatsala was considered to be Asia’s oldest elephant. Her last rites were performed by officers and employees of the Panna Tiger Reserve,” the forest department announced in a formal release.
A Legacy of Leadership and Love
Vatsala was very dear to the hearts of the reserve people. Being the oldest, she was the leader of the camp elephants and enjoyed a reputation for being placid and a leader.
Farewell to Vastala.
India’s oldest recorded elephant, who passed away at her beloved elephant camp at Panna recently.A gentle giant who raised generations of calves and played a vital role in tiger rescues. Her legacy of strength and compassion will live on 💔 pic.twitter.com/7P1Ib0lbVV
— Susanta Nanda IFS (Retd) (@susantananda3) July 9, 2025
“Whenever other female elephants would give birth to calves, she would play the part of a grandmother,” the release further stated.
In spite of her age-related problems—losing her eyesight and movement—Vatsala continued to be a daily sighting close to the Khairaiyaan drain in the Hinauta area of the reserve. Forest officials took her for bathing every day and provided her with daily porridge. Veterinarians and wildlife experts regularly monitored her health at the Hinauta Elephant Camp, where the staff kept her.
Vatsala had fallen victim to injuries in her front nail and ultimately sat down beside the Khairaiyaan drain. Owing to efforts from the forest department, she was unable to stand up and succumbed on Tuesday afternoon.
CM Mohan Yadav Recalls Vatsala
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav went live on X to pay his respects and compliment Vatsala’s longevity.
“Today, Vatsala’s century-long friendship came to a pause. This afternoon, ‘Vatsala’ passed away at the Panna Tiger Reserve,” Yadav tweeted.
“She was not just an elephant; she was the silent protector of our jungles, a friend of generations, and the face of Madhya Pradesh’s emotions,” he further tweeted.
“Although she is no longer with us today, her memory will always remain in our soil and hearts. Simple tributes to ‘Vatsala’!” the CM penned. Vatsala’s life is a symbol of understanding, animal conservation, and the strong emotional connections between humans and animals.
