In Assam's Sonitpur district, India's oldest domesticated elephant, 'Bijuli Prasad,' breathed his last at the age of 89 on Monday. Officials have confirmed this information.
It was reported that due to age-related issues, Bijuli Prasad took his last breath around 3:30 PM at the Behali Tea Estate, owned by 'The Williamson Magor Group.'
People connected to Bijuli Prasad, tea estate workers, and local residents have expressed their grief over his demise.
A tea estate official stated, "'Bijuli Prasad' was a symbol of pride for 'The Williamson Magor Group.'
He was initially brought to the Bargang tea estate as a baby elephant, and when the company sold the Behali tea estate, he was brought here."
He mentioned that the elephant led a royal life at the tea estate.
Bijuli Prasad's estimated age was 89 years. Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma, a renowned surgeon for elephants and a Padma Shri awardee, said, "To the best of my knowledge, Bijuli Prasad was the oldest domesticated elephant in India."
He explained that wild Asian elephants typically live up to 62-65 years, while domesticated elephants can live up to 80 years with proper care.
Sarma added, "Eight to ten years ago, all of Bijuli Prasad's teeth had fallen out, and he was unable to eat, on the verge of death. I went there and treated him. I changed his entire diet, giving him mostly boiled food like rice and high-protein soybeans. This helped extend his life."
An official from the Behali Tea Estate mentioned that Bijuli Prasad was provided with 25 kilograms of food daily.
