GUWAHATI: Bijuli Prasad, the oldest domesticated elephant on the continent, passed away in the early hours of Monday in the George Williamson Magor tea estate in Sonitpur, Assam.
Bijuli Prasad, estimated to be around 89 years old, breathed his last around 3:30 AM on Monday, as per reports.
As per media reports, the Forest Department officials promptly visited the scene following the news of the elephant's demise. It was also revealed that Bijuli Prasad had its tusks, reportedly, cut four times during its lifetime.
Bijuli Prasad belonged to the Magor Tea Estates of Assam and he was christened by Oliver Sahib from England who gave him this name.
In 1968, the Borgang Tea Company bought Bijuli. He was involved in uprooting old tea bushes and other works.
The elephant was put on salary, which was exceptional at the time, and from that salary, the wages for the mahout were cut, his food and medicine paid for and a pension started.
Bijuli stayed in Borgang post-retirement as well, as a member of the extended Magor Family.
Now, the old tusker lived a healthy life as a privileged member of the Bihali Tea Estate in Sonitpur district of Assam.
Behali Tea estate had bought Bijuli from Borgang Tea Company in 2018. At Bihali Tea estate, the management has arranged for two keepers for Bijuli in the company's payroll.
Bijuli weighed around 400 kilograms at the time of his death.
Normally, elephants live up to 50 years, while their maximum lifespan is generally estimated at 70.
