A sick elderly wild elephant dies in Rangamati’s Longadu as its devoted mate refuses to leave the body, drawing emotional reactions from locals witnessing the rare display of animal grief.
An elderly wild elephant has died in southeastern Bangladesh after a prolonged illness, with its grieving mate refusing to leave the body in a scene that has moved local residents.
The approximately 60-year-old elephant died around 11:00 am on Sunday in Longadu Upazila, in the hill district of Rangamati. Locals first spotted the animal lying near a settlement earlier in the morning as its condition rapidly deteriorated.
Forest department officials said the elephant had been suffering for a long time from severe injuries to its legs, swelling and general physical weakness. Wildlife veterinarians had treated the animal multiple times over recent weeks, but efforts to save it ultimately failed.
Shariful Islam, an official from the Pablakhali Range, said a general diary would be filed at Longadu police station with the involvement of forest officials from the Subalong Range. He added that a post-mortem examination would be conducted before completing formalities and cremating the carcass.
Meanwhile, an emotional scene unfolded at the site as the dead elephant’s female companion was seen lingering nearby. According to locals, the female repeatedly returned to the body, appearing unwilling to accept the loss and reluctant to leave the area.
The elephant’s death has cast a shadow of grief over the area, residents said.
