Bharatpur, Dec 24, 2019 : A 38-year-old female elephant named Pujakali who had been ill for long died this morning, the Chitwan National Park (CNP) said.
According to CNP chief conservation officer Narayan Rupakheti, Pujakali who gave birth to around half a dozen calves was brought up in the Sauraha Elephant Breeding Centre
She had been under regular medication since a year, said the CNP. She underwent several medical tests in this period, but was diagnosed with no specific health issues. She had been losing appetite and weight as well since the past six months.
As said by CNP senior veterinary doctor Dr Bijay Shrestha, Pujakali was one of the female elephants giving birth to more babies in the centre. Until the filing of this report, preparations were underway to conduct her post-mortem examinations.
She was brought to Chitwan from the Koshi Tappu in 2038 BS. Now, there are 62 elephants conserved by the CNP. The oldest member is 74 years old. The average life expectancy of an elephant is 70-80 years.
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