Padmavathi, Mysuru Zoo’s Oldest Elephant, Passes Away at 71

Rapid Summary

• Padmavathi, the oldest elephant of Mysuru zoo, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71 years and two months.
• Rescued during India’s Khedda operation in 1973, she was under Mysuru zoo’s care for 53 years.
• Padmavathi was the mother of three elephants: Gajalakshmi (1979), komala (1996), and Abhimanyu (2004). Her records estimate her birth year to be around 1953-54.
• Due to her age, she was moved four years ago to Chamundi wildlife Rescue and rehabilitation Center in Koorgalli, where she lived in a spacious natural setting.
• The elephant showed signs of weakness before becoming recumbent on Thursday morning; despite intensive veterinary care efforts by the zoo’s team, she succumbed at 5:10 p.m.
• A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death as per zoo management sources.
• Zoo officials expressed deep sorrow over losing an iconic animal that had long been beloved by staff and visitors alike.

[Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT]

Indian Opinion Analysis
Padmavathi’s passing highlights not just her individual importance but underscores a broader conversation about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts within India’s zoological ecosystem. As one of Mysuru Zoo’s most cherished animals with a history spanning decades, Padmavathi represents successful long-term captivity management while also illustrating challenges faced by aging wildlife under human care. The decision to move her to a less trafficked natural space reflects evolving best practices prioritizing quality environments for elderly animals toward their end-of-life care.

Her story ties back to India’s conservation heritage-the Khedda operation being one such landmark-indicating how rescued elephants become symbolic figures within managed wildlife preservation efforts over time. While details such as the official cause behind her demise are pending further inquiry post-autopsy, institutions like Mysuru Zoo serve as vital platforms for preserving endangered species while balancing humane considerations for their health at various life stages.

Padmavathi’s legacy invites reflection on lasting strategies that ensure well-being among older captive animals without overshadowing broader conservation needs across endangered populations.

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