Debrigarh: Khersel, a 65-year-old captive elephant under the care of the Hirakud Wildlife Division, passed away on September 2, due to natural causes related to old age. The elephant’s peaceful passing occurred in the presence of a veterinary team from Burla Medical and its longtime mahout, Hemachandra Bhue. Khersel had been receiving medical treatment for age-related issues over the past few months, as its condition gradually declined.
The elephant’s last rites were performed the same day in the presence of forest department staff, caretakers, and local villagers, who gathered to pay their respects. Khersel was buried under a Ficus tree, a location that had been its home for many years. A memory board is currently being prepared to honor the beloved elephant at its burial site.
For the last 5-6 months, Khersel’s health had been deteriorating, showing signs of slow eating and walking. Veterinary care had been provided under the supervision of Dr. Indramani Nath from the Centre for Wildlife Studies in Bhubaneswar. From September 24, 2023, Khersel had been placed under intensive care, receiving saline, injections, and light therapy to alleviate its muscle pain and mobility issues. Despite these efforts, Khersel’s condition worsened, and it eventually preferred lying down over standing. A final visit to the Hirakud reservoir on September 23 marked the elephant’s last walk before its passing.
Khersel’s health challenges were not new. In 2022, the elephant had undergone surgery to address age-related vision problems, also performed by Dr. Nath. These medical interventions aimed to improve its quality of life as it grew older.
Captured in 1998 from the Khersel Reserve Forest in Bolangir after incidents involving human casualties, Khersel was brought to Hirakud where it lived the remainder of its life in captivity. The elephant’s capture was not without challenges—it became partially blind during the process and made multiple escape attempts in the early 2000s. As Khersel aged, its movement within Debrigarh Sanctuary was gradually restricted, and by 2018-19, it was only allowed short walks to the Hirakud reservoir for bathing due to muscle and vision problems.
