The beloved matriarch, known as “Dadi Maa,” leaves behind a legacy of care, leadership, and conservation.
Vatsala, the Grand Old Lady of the Jungle, Passes Away
In a poignant loss for wildlife lovers and conservationists, Vatsala, believed to be Asia’s oldest elephant passed away on Tuesday. Vatsala died at the age of over 100 at the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The female elephant, a familiar figure to generations of forest officials and tourists alike, breathed her last in the Hinauta range after battling age-related ailments.
Her final moments were witnessed by senior reserve officials, including PTR Field Director Anjana Suchita Tirkey, Deputy Director Mohit Sood, and wildlife veterinarian Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, who had overseen her care in her final days.
From Kerala Forests to Panna’s Heartland
Vatsala was born in the forests of Nilambur, Kerala. She was relocated in 1971 to Narmadapuram (formerly Hoshangabad) to serve in the timber industry. In 1993, she was transferred to the Panna Tiger Reserve. This was the place she would call home for the next three decades.
Initially part of the reserve’s field operations, she helped in patrolling, tiger tracking, and forest monitoring. Even after retiring in 2003, she played a vital role within the elephant camp, especially in nurturing young calves.
Who Was Vatsala?
An elephant with a century of history, compassion, and service. Vatsala was more than just an elephant. Affectionately called “Dadi Maa” by the forest staff. Vatsala symbolized grace, wisdom, and resilience within herself. Her calm demeanor made her a tourist favorite. Meanwhile, her leadership made her a central figure in the elephant camp.
Reports suggest that Vatsala led the herd for many years and served as a grandmother figure. She played with calves and guided younger elephants at the camp. Her nurturing role earned her deep respect from the forest team. The team said she carried “a sea of experiences in her eyes and warmth in her presence.”
Final Days Marked by Tender Care
In her twilight years, Vatsala was suffering from multiple health issues. This includes a painful broken toenail, poor eyesight, and declining mobility. Despite these challenges, forest officials ensured she was well cared for.
Vatsala was housed in the Hinauta Elephant Camp and taken daily to the Khairaiyaan drain for her bath. Her diet included warm porridge, and her condition was closely monitored by veterinarians and wildlife experts. However, on Tuesday afternoon, she sat down and could not rise again, eventually passing away peacefully.
Cremated with Honor, Remembered with Love
According to reports Vatsala was cremated with full honors at the Hinauta camp. The entire forest staff, who had become her extended family, participated in her last rites.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid a heartfelt tribute on social media. In post on social media he wrote, “The century-long companionship of ‘Vatsala’ came to a pause today. This afternoon, ‘Vatsala’ took her final breath at 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.”
‘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
He further wrote, “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. Though she is no longer among us today, her memories will forever live in our soil and hearts. Humble tributes to ‘Vatsala’!”
IAS officer Supriya Sahu pays Tribute
IAS officer Supriya Sahu also mourned her passing, recalling Vatsala’s dignified life after being rescued from a circus. In a post on X she 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