Asia's oldest elephant Vatsala dies at 100 leaving behind a century of legacy in Panna

Time of India

10-07-2025

Vatsala, a tuskless female elephant believed to be Asia's oldest elephant, died on Wednesday at the Panna Tiger Reserve in central India. Her death has left forest officials, local villagers, and wildlife lovers in mourning, as she was affectionately known as the matriarch and 'grandmother' of the elephant herd.
Vatsala's remarkable longevity was a testament to the care she received and the strong bonds between elephants and humans in Indian wildlife sanctuaries. Her passing marks the end of an era and serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional connections that thrive in conservation landscapes.
Asia's oldest elephant early life and journey to Madhya Pradesh
Vatsala was originally from the Nilambur Forest Division in Kerala, a southern Indian state known for its dense forests and rich biodiversity.
During her early years, she was employed in carrying forest produce—a common role for elephants in India's forest-based communities. In 1972, she was relocated to Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India, where she would spend the rest of her life. Later, in 1993, she was moved to the Panna Tiger Reserve, an area primarily known for its tiger population but which also hosts elephants among other wildlife.
Source: X
How
Asia's oldest elephant
became a symbol of strength and motherhood in the wild
In Panna, Vatsala was affectionately called 'Dadi,' meaning grandmother in Hindi, a testament to her respected position among staff and fellow elephants.
Despite retiring from active work in 2004, she remained an integral figure in the camp. Caretakers viewed her not just as an old elephant but as a source of wisdom and calmness. She played a key role in the social structure of the herd, often standing by younger elephants during stressful times such as childbirth, much like a midwife offering emotional support.
Vatsala's long life was marked by notable challenges. She survived two violent mating attempts by a male elephant named Ram Bahadur in 2003 and 2008.
These attacks were aggressive and life-threatening; one resulted in torn intestines and required over 200 stitches, necessitating a long nine-month recovery period. Despite these hardships, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. She never bore calves herself but became a surrogate maternal figure to many elephants in the reserve.
Oldest elephant Vatsala
's final days were marked by love and loyalty
For three decades, Vatsala was cared for by her mahout, Maniram Gond, who described her as a gentle and patient creature.
Even as she lost her sight in later years, her recognition and trust in her mahout remained strong. Gond recounted how Vatsala would respond promptly when called by name, lifting her trunk in acknowledgment—a touching display of the bond between elephant and caretaker. This relationship underscores the deep connection humans can share with wild animals when approached with care and respect.
In her final years, Vatsala experienced blindness and digestive ailments, common conditions among elderly elephants.
The caretakers adapted to her needs by hand-feeding her porridge and assisting her mobility within the camp. On Wednesday afternoon, she collapsed near a forest drain close to the Hinauta Elephant Camp. Despite urgent veterinary efforts, she passed away peacefully at around 1:30 PM. Her body was cremated at the camp, in keeping with the respect she was accorded throughout her life.
Vatsala's century-long life highlights rare longevity among Asian elephants
Asian elephants typically live about 60 years in the wild, although those in captivity or protected reserves may live longer due to veterinary care and absence of natural predators.
Vatsala's estimated age of over 100 years is extraordinary, nearly twice the average lifespan, and highlights her exceptional status. Unfortunately, due to missing documentation from her early years, official recognition like a Guinness World Record could not be granted.
Nevertheless, her life stands as a remarkable example of elephant longevity and resilience.
Vatsala's story unfolds against the backdrop of the broader challenges faced by Asian elephants in India. Classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these majestic animals confront threats such as habitat fragmentation, shrinking forest areas, and increasing human-elephant conflicts. India is home to more than 27,000 wild elephants—over half of the global population—but their future is uncertain without sustained conservation efforts.
The loss of an iconic figure like Vatsala is a poignant reminder of both the beauty and vulnerability of these creatures.
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