Panna’s Beloved 100-Year-Old Elephant Vatsala Passes Away

Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) has lost its oldest and most loved elephant, Vatsala, who died on July 8 at 1:30 p.m. She was believed to be over 100 years old.

Vatsala had been sick for some time and took her last breath at Hinauta Camp, where she spent her final years with caretakers and other elephants. Forest staff and wildlife lovers called her “Dadi” (grandmother) because she cared for everyone like a mother.

She helped young elephant calves and even assisted in their births like an experienced midwife. Her calm nature and kindness made her special in the reserve.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav shared his condolences online, calling Vatsala a “silent guardian of the forests” and a true friend to generations. He said she was part of the state’s emotional and natural heritage, and people would never forget her.

Vatsala was born in the Nilambur forests of Kerala. She was brought to Hoshangabad in 1971 and then moved to Panna in 1993. She helped track tigers for ten years and played a big role in conservation work.

Although she retired in 2003, she continued to care for young elephants with love and guidance. Many believed she was the world’s oldest elephant, but her exact age could not be confirmed because there were no birth records. PTR even sent her tooth samples for testing, but the results were not clear.

The Guinness World Record for the oldest elephant is still held by Lingwan from Taiwan.

Vatsala’s death ends an important chapter at Panna Tiger Reserve. Her final rites were done with respect at Hinauta Camp, attended by Field Director Anjana Suchita Tirkey, Deputy Director Mohit Sood, and wildlife doctor Dr Sanjeev Gupta.