Post by : Anis Farhan

A Century of Grace and Power

In a forest sanctuary nestled in Karnataka, India, a solemn moment marked the end of an extraordinary life. Vatsala, an Asian elephant estimated to be over 100 years old, passed away peacefully in June 2025. Her long life was not just a marvel of biology—it was a living chronicle of India’s relationship with one of its most sacred animals.

Forest officials confirmed that Vatsala died of natural causes after decades spent in the care of the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, where she was revered as a gentle matriarch and cultural icon. Her death sparked tributes from conservationists, religious communities, and animal lovers across the world.

But Vatsala’s story is about more than just age. It is a testament to the complexities of human–elephant coexistence in Asia, where reverence and risk often walk hand in hand.

A Living Link to Tradition

Born around the 1920s—during British colonial rule—Vatsala grew up in a dramatically different India. Elephants were integral to royal processions, temple rituals, and logging operations. For decades, she participated in Dasara festivals in Mysuru, decked in ornate golden armor, symbolizing both power and divine presence.

In Hindu tradition, elephants are considered manifestations of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. In Buddhist and Jain lore too, elephants are revered as symbols of wisdom, calm, and spiritual strength.

Vatsala was a bridge between the sacred and the everyday. Visitors to the Sakrebailu Camp often described her presence as calming. “You felt like you were in the presence of royalty,” said one caretaker. “She taught us how to be still, how to observe, how to respect.”

Why Her Legacy Matters

Vatsala lived through a century of transformation. When she was born, wild elephants roamed freely across India’s forests. Today, habitat fragmentation, railway lines, deforestation, and urbanization have shrunk their ranges and pushed them closer to human settlements.

India is home to over 27,000 Asian elephants—about 60% of the global population. Yet, human-elephant conflict claims hundreds of lives each year—both human and elephant. Vatsala’s story stands out not just for its longevity but for highlighting a time when coexistence was more balanced.

Her life has sparked renewed conversations around elephant welfare and conservation. Can we still afford to use elephants in tourism? Are we doing enough to protect the forests they call home? How do we reconcile cultural traditions with modern animal rights movements?

Changing Attitudes: From Captivity to Compassion

For centuries, elephants like Vatsala were domesticated and used in religious festivals and temple rituals. But times are changing. In recent years, India’s Supreme Court and environmental NGOs have challenged the legality and ethics of keeping elephants in captivity.

States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where elephants have historically played key religious roles, are now revisiting temple protocols. Wildlife SOS, a prominent NGO, has been campaigning to retire working elephants to rescue centers where they can live out their lives in peace.

Vatsala’s life raises critical questions: Is it respectful to dress an elephant in regalia and parade her through noisy streets? Or is true reverence shown in the protection of her natural instincts and space?

A Role Model for Wildlife Care

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, where Vatsala spent her final decades, is regarded as one of the more ethical models of elephant care. Situated near the Shettihalli forest in Karnataka, it is both a rescue center and an education hub for responsible wildlife tourism.

Vatsala, with her calm demeanor and massive stature, often played the role of “trainer” to younger, rescued elephants. She helped traumatized newcomers adjust to the camp’s routines and reestablish social bonds. Caretakers say she had a “motherly instinct,” nudging frightened calves with her trunk and guiding them to water and food.

“She was our oldest but never our weakest,” said Mahesh, a mahout who worked with her for 19 years. “Even at the age of 98, she would splash water on us and the babies during baths. She had a sense of humor.”

Conservation and Cultural Continuity

As India continues to develop rapidly, its wildlife finds itself increasingly cornered. Conservationists argue that preserving elephants like Vatsala is not just about protecting a species—it’s about preserving culture.

Festivals such as Mysuru Dasara or Thrissur Pooram may evolve, with symbolic representations of elephants replacing live ones. Several temples have started using LED-lit elephant figures on floats. Others have adopted ‘elephant-free’ festivals, citing growing awareness and ethical responsibility.

Meanwhile, India’s 2024 National Elephant Action Plan emphasizes habitat corridors, anti-poaching measures, and scientific research into elephant migration. There is hope that technology, such as GPS tracking and AI-driven warning systems, can reduce fatal encounters between humans and elephants.

Global Reflections: Asia’s Shared Struggle

Vatsala’s story echoes across Asia. In Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Myanmar, elephants hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. Yet, they also face similar threats: illegal trafficking, tourism exploitation, and shrinking habitats.

In Thailand, there is a growing movement to convert elephant tourism camps into sanctuaries. In Sri Lanka, where elephant–human conflict has intensified, communities are experimenting with chili fences and bee-boxes to deter elephants without harming them.

Vatsala’s death is a reminder that the conversation around elephant welfare must be pan-Asian. The time for piecemeal solutions is over. If elephants are truly sacred, their protection should be absolute—not situational.

Farewell, Vatsala: A Legacy Etched in Time

As Vatsala’s body was laid to rest in a shaded grove within the camp, forest staff performed a quiet farewell ceremony. There were no loud announcements or official parades—just a moment of stillness in the forest. A few younger elephants stood nearby, swaying gently as if mourning in their own ancient rhythm.

For many, Vatsala’s passing marks the end of an era. But it also calls for a new beginning—a deeper, more humane way of understanding our bond with elephants. She may be gone, but her story urges us to treat every living creature not as a symbol or a servant, but as a fellow traveler in time.

Disclaimer

This article is an editorial feature published by Newsible Asia, blending cultural reporting and conservation insights. All information is based on verified interviews, environmental data, and official wildlife records available up to July 2025.