• Contact us
  • Advertising Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
25 °c
Agartala
enewstime
  • Home
  • News
    • Northeast
    • National
    • International
    • Tripura News
  • Sports
    Red Bull sack F1 team principal Christian Horner

    Red Bull sack F1 team principal Christian Horner

    Stuart Broad labels Australia’s current top three 'the most muddled'

    Stuart Broad labels Australia’s current top three 'the most muddled'

    NZ opener Allen ruled out of Zimbabwe tri-series with foot injury

    NZ opener Allen ruled out of Zimbabwe tri-series with foot injury

    Joao Pedro's brace sends Chelsea to FIFA Club WC final

    Joao Pedro's brace sends Chelsea to FIFA Club WC final

    'We always planned on coming back… here we are again', says Kohli on attending Wimbledon match at Centre Court

    'We always planned on coming back… here we are again', says Kohli on attending Wimbledon match at Centre Court

    Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf to miss Bangladesh T20Is due to injuries

    Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf to miss Bangladesh T20Is due to injuries

    Paolini announces split with coach Marc Lopez after Wimbledon exit

    Paolini announces split with coach Marc Lopez after Wimbledon exit

    You've got to play him: Anderson urges England to bring Archer for Lord's Test

    You've got to play him: Anderson urges England to bring Archer for Lord's Test

    Olympic champion Nathan Hales registers for SLI, says 'privilege to be part of something new and ambitious'

    Olympic champion Nathan Hales registers for SLI, says 'privilege to be part of something new and ambitious'

  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Features
  • TendersNew
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Northeast
    • National
    • International
    • Tripura News
  • Sports
    Red Bull sack F1 team principal Christian Horner

    Red Bull sack F1 team principal Christian Horner

    Stuart Broad labels Australia’s current top three 'the most muddled'

    Stuart Broad labels Australia’s current top three 'the most muddled'

    NZ opener Allen ruled out of Zimbabwe tri-series with foot injury

    NZ opener Allen ruled out of Zimbabwe tri-series with foot injury

    Joao Pedro's brace sends Chelsea to FIFA Club WC final

    Joao Pedro's brace sends Chelsea to FIFA Club WC final

    'We always planned on coming back… here we are again', says Kohli on attending Wimbledon match at Centre Court

    'We always planned on coming back… here we are again', says Kohli on attending Wimbledon match at Centre Court

    Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf to miss Bangladesh T20Is due to injuries

    Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf to miss Bangladesh T20Is due to injuries

    Paolini announces split with coach Marc Lopez after Wimbledon exit

    Paolini announces split with coach Marc Lopez after Wimbledon exit

    You've got to play him: Anderson urges England to bring Archer for Lord's Test

    You've got to play him: Anderson urges England to bring Archer for Lord's Test

    Olympic champion Nathan Hales registers for SLI, says 'privilege to be part of something new and ambitious'

    Olympic champion Nathan Hales registers for SLI, says 'privilege to be part of something new and ambitious'

  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Features
  • TendersNew
No Result
View All Result
enewstime
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Features
  • Tenders
Home National

Dadi Maa of the Jungle No More: ‘Asia’s Oldest’, India’s Centenarian Elephant Vatsala Bids Goodbye

IANS by IANS
July 9, 2025
in National
Dadi Maa of the Jungle No More: Asia’s Oldest, India’s Centenarian Elephant Vatsala Bids Goodbye

Dadi Maa of the Jungle No More: Asia’s Oldest, India’s Centenarian Elephant Vatsala Bids Goodbye

32
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Synopsis: Fondly known as ‘Dadi Maa’ and ‘Nani Maa’, Vatsala began her journey in Kerala’s Nilambur forests and served in the timber trade before becoming a key figure in Panna’s tiger-tracking and elephant nurturing programs. Known for her maternal instincts and gentle nature, she played the role of caregiver and midwife to younger elephants.

Panna, July 9: Panna Tiger Reserve bid a tearful farewell on Tuesday to Vatsala, ‘Asia’s oldest’ known female elephant, whose extraordinary life journey spanned more than a century—from the lush forests of Kerala to the heart of Madhya Pradesh. Fondly called ‘Dadi Maa’ and ‘Nani Maa’ by generations of caretakers and wildlife enthusiasts, Vatsala passed away at the Hinauta camp following multiple organ failure.

A senior forest official confirmed that the revered matriarch had been under continuous medical observation but succumbed to age-related ailments, leaving behind a deep void in the reserve’s elephant family.

Her passing marks the end of an era defined by compassion, service, and legacy in wildlife conservation. To those who worked alongside her, Vatsala was not just an elephant—she was a living legend, a nurturing figure, and an embodiment of patience and empathy.

For decades, Vatsala served as a guardian and caregiver within the reserve. Known for her gentle demeanor and maternal instincts, she played a pivotal role in raising orphaned elephant calves and even assisted in deliveries, acting as a midwife to birthing elephants—an uncommon role in the wild.

Forest officials recall that her final days were spent peacefully, surrounded by loving handlers at the Hinauta base camp. Upon hearing of her demise, PTR Field Director Anjana Suchita Tirkey, Deputy Director Mohit Sood, and wildlife veterinarian Dr. Sanjeev Gupta promptly reached the camp to oversee her final rites, which were performed with full honor.

Vatsala’s remarkable life began in the Nilambur forests of Kerala, where she was trained for timber work. In 1971, she was relocated to Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh, eventually finding her permanent home at Panna Tiger Reserve in 1993. There, she became an integral part of tiger-tracking missions for over a decade, contributing immensely to conservation efforts before retiring from active duty in 2003.

Even after retirement, her role remained vital. She continued to mentor younger elephants, offering them emotional security and companionship, becoming a symbol of continuity and care within PTR.

Her endearing presence made her a favorite among tourists—both domestic and international. Countless visitors recalled their memorable encounters with her, sharing photographs and heartfelt messages online following the news of her passing.

As the forest grows quieter without her gentle footsteps, Vatsala’s memory will forever echo through the trails of Panna—an enduring symbol of love, resilience, and devotion to nature.

Dadi Maa of the Jungle No More: Asia’s Oldest, India’s Centenarian Elephant Vatsala Bids Goodbye
Dadi Maa of the Jungle No More: Asia’s Oldest, India’s Centenarian Elephant Vatsala Bids Goodbye

Vatsala’s life stood as a testament to the harmony between humans and wildlife. Her bond with caretakers and her contribution to wildlife care made her an icon of ethical and compassionate animal management.

BJP MP Brijendra Pratap Singh, representing the Panna constituency, paid tribute to Vatsala, saying, “Her affection and dignity were woven into the identity of Panna. Her demise is an emotional moment for all who admired her unwavering spirit over the past 100 years.” (Edited)

Tags: Elephant

Related Posts

Locals Blame Administration for Vadodara Bridge Collapse
National

Locals Blame Administration for Vadodara Bridge Collapse

July 9, 2025
Final Leg of his 5-nation tour: PM Modi Receives Traditional Welcome in Namibia
National

Final Leg of his 5-nation tour: PM Modi Receives Traditional Welcome in Namibia

July 9, 2025
West Bengal: No Student Enrolment in 348 Schools
National

West Bengal: No Student Enrolment in 348 Schools

July 8, 2025
Hyderabad: Death Toll in Sigachi Industries Ltd Blast Reaches 41  
National

Hyderabad: Death Toll in Sigachi Industries Ltd Blast Reaches 41

July 6, 2025
National

Blasts in Abandoned House at Katwa Leave One Dead, 3 Injured

July 5, 2025
We need to strengthen indigenous air defence systems : Dy Army Chief Lt Gen Singh
National

We need to strengthen indigenous air defence systems : Dy Army Chief Lt Gen Singh

July 4, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
D-2050 D-2050 D-2050
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

About us

Enewstime.in is run by an individual – a Journalist by profession of Tripura with the active help of several journos including senior journalists of the State. On top of that, Enewstime.in being a subscriber of IANS news agency, we have plenty of multi-choice topics to offer to our esteemed readers. Enewstime.in is a venture reach global audience from a tiny State Tripura.

Latest News

Locals Blame Administration for Vadodara Bridge Collapse

Two dead after consuming adulterated toddy in Hyderabad (Lead)

AI, IoT to drive India as a global leader in food processing: Report

Rupali Ganguly remembers legendry Guru Dutt on his 100th birth anniversary

Indian banks need enhanced assessment of interest rate impact: Report

Red Bull sack F1 team principal Christian Horner

Contact us

19, Old Thana Road. Banamalipur. PO. Agartala. Pin code 799001. Tripura (West), India.

Email: enewstime2017@gmail.com

Wa: 8794548041

  • Contact us
  • Advertising Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© 2025 Designed & Developed with ❤️ by Provibe Media LLP

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Northeast
    • National
    • International
    • Tripura News
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Features
  • Tenders

© 2025 Designed & Developed with ❤️ by Provibe Media LLP