Bhubaneswar, Sept 3: Kharsel, a 65-year-old elephant, passed away at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary under Hirakud Wildlife Divison on Tuesday.
Kharsel died due to old age. Over the past five to six months, the elephant's health had declined, with its movements slowing and its appetite diminishing. Despite the sanctuary staff's dedicated care, Kharsel’s condition worsened as it aged, and the exact cause of death is still under investigation, Said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Anshu Pragyan Das,
As per the forest department officials, Kharsel had been a notable figure since its capture in July 1995 in Bolangir. The elephant was notorious for its destructive behavior, including attacks on people, damage to crops, and the destruction of thousands of homes. The Forest Department faced significant challenges in managing Kharsel, who had become a dominant force in the region. Initially, Kharsel was housed in Bolangir, then moved to Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary, and subsequently, in 1999, was relocated to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Sambalpur district. The elephant lived there under the care of the Hirakud Wildlife DFO until its death.
