Mysuru zoo’s oldest elephant Padmavathi dies at 71

Padmavathi, the oldest elephant of Mysuru zoo, died on Thursday at the age of 71 years and two months.

Rescued during the Khedda operation in 1973, Padmavathi had been under the zoo’s care for 53 years. She was the mother of three — Gajalakshmi (born in 1979), Komala (born in 1996), and Abhimanyu (born in 2004). Padmavathi’s birth year is estimated to be around 1953-54, the zoo management said.

Gajalakshmi is currently displayed at the Mysuru zoo.

Considering her age, Padmavathi was shifted to the Chamundi Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Koorgalli, four years ago, where she lived in a spacious natural setting away from visitors.

“She was stable until Wednesday, though showing signs of age-related weakness. On Thursday morning, she became recumbent and showed no will to get up. The zoo’s veterinary team provided intensive medical care and supportive treatment. Despite all the possible efforts, she did not respond and succumbed at 5.10 p.m. at the rescue centre,” said zoo Executive Director Rangaswamy.

A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, he said in a release.

The zoo has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its iconic elephant, who held a special place in the hearts of the staff, visitors, and wildlife enthusiasts alike for decades.