Vatsala, Asia’s oldest female elephant, died on Tuesday at the Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Madhya Pradesh. She was over 100 years old. During her long life journey from Kerala to Madhya Pradesh, she was lovingly called ‘Dadi Maa’ and ‘Nani Maa’ by the forest staff and wildlife lovers.

A senior forest officer said that Vatsala had multiple organ failure and was being treated by vets but sadly passed away. With her death, a special chapter of love, care, and dedication to wildlife has come to an end. Vatsala was more than just an elephant, she was like a grandmother figure in PTR. She was famous for her caring nature and helped raise many elephant calves. She even acted as a midwife, helping other elephants during childbirth.

Vatsala’s loss is deeply felt by everyone at the reserve and by all who loved her.Vatsala spent her last days at the Hinauta camp in Panna Tiger Reserve, where forest staff took great care of her. When she passed away, PTR Field Director Anjana Suchita Tirkey, Deputy Director Mohit Sood, and wildlife doctor Sanjeev Gupta quickly went to the camp. Her last rites were done respectfully at the same place.

Vatsala was born in the Nilambur forests of Kerala. She started her life working in the timber industry. In 1971, she was brought to Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh and later shifted to Panna Tiger Reserve in 1993. For about 10 years, she helped track tigers at PTR and played an important role in protecting wildlife. Although she officially retired in 2003, she continued to look after young elephants and gave them love and care.

Vatsala was loved by tourists and was known as the pride of Panna. Visitors from India and other countries came to see her. Her calm and friendly nature, and her strong bond with caretakers, made her a symbol of Panna’s love for wildlife. Many tourists shared their special memories with Vatsala on social media, posting photos and videos with her.

Her death is a big loss not only for Panna Tiger Reserve but also for the entire wildlife community in India. BJP MP Brijendra Pratap Singh shared his sadness on X (Twitter), saying Vatsala’s grace and love had become a part of Panna. He wrote, “The passing of the world’s oldest elephant, Vatsala, who had an amazing journey of more than 100 years, is an emotional moment for the people of Panna.”