Elephant found dead at Aasanur forest range

[Debasis Bose]

Forest Department officials attribute death to ageing

A female elephant died at the Aasanur forest range in Sathyamangalam tiger reserve on Sunday.

Forest sources said a team of personnel, while patrolling near Aasanur on Saturday night, found an aged elephant roaming in the area. The animal was found moving slowly and appeared exhausted.

The personnel continued to monitor the elephant. Early on Sunday, the elephant collapsed and died. Officials added that the elephant died because of ageing. However, forest officials are planning a post-mortem and examination of the parts to ascertain the exact reasons for death, sources said.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Aged elephants have worn out teeth which makes it difficult for them to eat their normal food. A number of elephants fall prey to stomach infections from water borne diseases and die. Such an elephant would also be very exhausted.

It should be easy for them to find out if the elephant died due to old age or whether she was suffering from any disease.