Over 100-year-old elephant dies in central India

• India has nearly 30,000 elephants housed across 33 reserves in 14 states

NEW DELHI

An elephant aged over 100 years died in central India, officials said Wednesday.

The elephant named “Vatsala," died on Tuesday at the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh state.

According to an official statement from the state government Vatsala, which had long been a major attraction for tourists visiting the reserve, was considered the “oldest female elephant in Asia.”

“Due to her advanced age, she had lost her eyesight and could not walk long distances,” officials said.

State’s Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the elephant was "not merely an elephant."

“She was the silent guardian of our forests, a friend to generations, and a symbol of Madhya Pradesh's emotions," he said.

“This beloved member of the Tiger Reserve carried a sea of experiences in her eyes and warmth in her presence. She led the group of camp elephants and, as a grandmother, lovingly cared for the elephant calves,” Yadav wrote on X.

According to officials, the elephant was originally brought from southern Kerala state to Narmadapuram in Madhya Pradesh. Later, she was shifted to the Panna Tiger Reserve.

Indian officials said the South Asian nation is home to more than 60% of the global Asian elephant population. In the year 2022, the elephant population stood at 29,964.

India has 33 elephant reserves across 14 states of the country.