Vatsala, considered to be Asia's oldest elephant, died on Tuesday in Madhya Pradesh's Panna Tiger Reserve. Vatsala is said to be more than 100 years old. An official gave this information. The elephant was brought from Kerala to Narmadapuram and later transferred to Panna Tiger Reserve.

A statement said, Vatsala was considered Asia's oldest elephant. Panna Tiger Reserve officials and staff performed her last rites. Vatsala was a tourist attraction for years and being the oldest, she used to lead the entire group of elephants in the reserve.

When other elephants gave birth to babies, she used to play the role of a grandmother. Vatsala sat down near Khairaiyaan drain in the Hinouta area of the reserve due to injuries to the nails of her front feet. Forest department personnel made a lot of efforts to lift her, but the elephant died in the afternoon.

Due to old age, Vatsala had lost her eyesight and was unable to walk long distances. She was kept at the Hinauta elephant camp and was taken to the Khairaiyaan Nallah for bathing every day and given porridge to eat, the statement said.

Vatsala's health was being regularly checked by veterinarians and wildlife experts at the tiger reserve in Panna district. Due to proper care, Vatsala lived a long life in the sparse and dry forest area of the reserve.

Paying an emotional tribute to the elephant, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in a post on X, "Vatsala's age-old companion is gone. Vatsala breathed her last in the Panna Tiger Reserve this afternoon. She was the silent guardian of our forests, a friend of generations and a symbol of the spirit of Madhya Pradesh."

This beloved member of the Tiger Reserve had an ocean of experiences in her eyes and warmth in her presence, the CM said. She led the group of elephants of the camp and like a grandmother, lovingly took care of the baby elephants. ​​Although she is not among us today, her memories will always remain alive in our soil and hearts. Humble tribute to Vatsala!