Famous elephant 'Ronaldo' dies in Chitwan, cremated according to religious rites
The famous wild male elephant 'Ronaldo' was found dead in the Sauraha-Khorsor area of Chitwan National Park. An electric wire was found in the mouth of the approximately 53-year-old Ronaldo, raising suspicion that he died from electrocution. The park has launched an investigation into the incident.
The famous wild male elephant 'Ronaldo' has been found dead in the Sauraha-Khorsor area of Chitwan National Park. The approximately 53-year-old Ronaldo was found dead near the Vishhajari post and was cremated according to religious rites.
During the post-mortem, an electric wire was found in the elephant's mouth, raising suspicion that he may have died from electrocution. However, the actual cause of death will only be confirmed after investigation, according to Avinash Thapa Magar, Conservation Officer and Information Officer at Chitwan National Park.
The park has taken the incident seriously and has launched an investigation. The park deployed soldiers to prevent journalists from taking photos and videos of the dead elephant.
Known as a 'celebrity' elephant in the Sauraha-Khorsor area, Ronaldo had a long-standing special relationship with the elephant breeding and training center in Khorsor.
According to Dil Bahadur Purja Pun, Chief Conservation Officer of the park, Ronaldo was the father of many calves born at the center. Records show that out of 69 calves born at the center until Ashad 2083, 38 were Ronaldo's offspring.
Due to his massive body, lively gait, and ability to fight other male elephants, Ronaldo was very popular among tourists and locals. It is said that he was named after footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
During fights with other elephants, Ronaldo had marks of injuries on his body and had even lost his tail. Ronaldo's death marks the end of an era of a famous and historic wild elephant in the Sauraha-Khorsor area.