Vatsala, Asia’s oldest living elephant and a beloved matriarch of Panna Tiger Reserve, passed away on July 8, 2025, at the age of over 100. Revered as a silent guardian of the forest, she symbolized endurance, compassion, and the deep bond between humans and wildlife.

Key Points:

• Vatsala collapsed near the Hinauta elephant camp and died around 1:30 pm due to age-related complications including blindness and digestive issues.
• Born in the forests of Nilambur, Kerala, in the early 1920s, she was brought to Madhya Pradesh in 1971 and joined Panna Tiger Reserve in 1993.
• Though she never bore calves, she nurtured many orphaned elephants and was fondly called “Dadi” (grandmother) by forest staff.
• Vatsala survived two violent attacks from a male elephant in 2003 and 2008, recovering from over 200 stitches—showcasing extraordinary resilience.
• She was cremated with full honours at Hinauta camp, with forest officials and villagers paying tribute; Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called her the “silent guardian of our forests.”