Vatsala, Asia’s oldest elephant aged over 100, dies in Madhya Pradesh

Vatsala had been placed at the Hinauta Elephant Camp, where she was cared for by forest staff. Every day, she was taken to the Khairaiyaan drain to bathe and was given porridge to eat. Her health was regularly monitored by veterinarians and wildlife experts, the statement said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid a heartfelt tribute to the majestic elephant on social media. “The century-long companionship of ‘Vatsala’ came to a pause today. This afternoon, ‘Vatsala’ took her final breath at the Panna Tiger Reserve. She 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. This beloved member of the Tiger Reserve carried a sea of experiences in her eyes and warmth in her presence,” Yadav wrote on X.

See the post here:

‘वत्सला’ का सौ वर्षों का साथ आज विराम पर पहुंचा। पन्ना टाइगर रिज़र्व में आज दोपहर ‘वत्सला’ ने अंतिम सांस ली।

वह मात्र हथिनी नहीं थी, हमारे जंगलों की मूक संरक्षक, पीढ़ियों की सखी और मप्र की संवेदनाओं की प्रतीक थीं।

टाइगर रिज़र्व की यह प्रिय सदस्य अपनी आंखों में अनुभवों का सागर… pic.twitter.com/u8a6ZBAKEj

— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) July 8, 2025

Paying a heartfelt tribute to Vatsala, IAS Supriya Sahu wrote, “A deep pain fills my heart as we bid farewell to Vatsla, one of oldest elephants, who lived beyond 100. Rescued from a circus, she spent her final decades in peace and dignity at Panna Tiger Reserve. A gentle soul who embodied grace and resilience. Though I followed her life story quietly, my only regret, never meeting her while she was alive. Her memory will live on in our hearts and in forests she blessed.”

A deep pain fills my heart as we bid farewell to Vatsla, one of oldest elephants, who lived beyond 100.
Rescued from a circus, she spent her final decades in peace and dignity at Panna Tiger Reserve. A gentle soul who embodied grace and resilience.
Though I followed her life… https://t.co/8IG510bjVA pic.twitter.com/j2K1XFk8Nh

— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) July 9, 2025

Several social media users paid tribute to Vatsala. “She lived a full life and well taken care off in her final days .. that’s all that matters,” a user wrote. “It is sad to see that the very aged gentle soul is no more.
Thank you for sharing your grief,” another user commented.

“Such magnificent beings deserve the best care and freedom the state can provide. Not a chained life in temples or logging wood , prodded cruelly by mahouts,” a third user said.