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death – Obituary News : Behali Tea Estate Mourns the Loss of Bijuli Prasad, a Legendary Elephant
Dubbed “Bijuli Prasad,” this majestic elephant captivated the hearts of many with his incredible strength and resilience. In a remarkable show of devotion, Bijuli Prasad worked tirelessly on tea farms in India’s eastern state of Assam’s Sonitpur district until his retirement in 2018. With the passing of this iconic creature, the Behali Tea Estate is left mourning the loss of their beloved companion.
Elephant veterinarian, Kushal Konwar Sarma, who had been caring for Bijuli Prasad in his later years, shared insights into the remarkable life of this magnificent creature. “Domestic elephants live up to 80 years, provided they are taken care of well,” stated Sarma. It was evident that this statement held true for Bijuli Prasad, who defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the tea estate.
However, as age caught up with Bijuli Prasad, his health began to deteriorate. Sarma explained, “All of the elephant’s teeth fell out due to age, making it impossible for him to eat.” Sarma quickly intervened, altering Bijuli Prasad’s diet and instructing caretakers to provide him with boiled food, primarily consisting of rice and soybean with a high protein value. This dietary change helped sustain Bijuli Prasad during his twilight years.
Renowned for his immense strength, Bijuli Prasad effortlessly uprooted old tea bushes and cleared forested areas. The Times of India reported an awe-inspiring incident where Bijuli Prasad valiantly fought off attackers attempting to seize his long tusks. Such acts of bravery solidified Bijuli Prasad’s legendary status, earning him the title of the “pride” of the Behali Tea Estate.
On Monday, Bijuli Prasad peacefully passed away, leaving behind a void that will be hard to fill. Draped in a floral adornment, the elephant was given a grand funeral, complete with Hindu rituals carried out by a dedicated priest. The Behali Tea Estate spared no expense in ensuring that their beloved companion received a dignified farewell.
Ujjal Basnet, the deputy manager of Behali Tea Estate, expressed his deep sorrow at Bijuli Prasad’s demise. “We had engaged a priest to worship the elephant and two mahouts (elephant keepers) to look after it, though it retired long ago,” stated Basnet. The elephant had become an integral part of the estate’s identity, and the loss is deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to witness Bijuli Prasad’s strength and grace.
While the average lifespan of Asian elephants in the wild is around mid-50s, Bijuli Prasad defied expectations by living a long and fulfilling life. The US-based Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute confirms that exact data on the longevity of Asian elephants is scarce. However, it is worth noting that the oldest known elephant, named “Grandpa Lin” or “Lin Wang,” passed away at the remarkable age of 86 in 2003 at the Taipei Zoo in Taiwan, according to Guinness World Records. Grandpa Lin had carried supplies through Burma during World War II, showcasing the immense resilience and endurance of these gentle giants.
As the Behali Tea Estate bids farewell to their beloved Bijuli Prasad, his memory will forever remain etched in their hearts. The legacy of this extraordinary elephant will continue to inspire generations to come, serving as a reminder of the profound bond between humans and animals..
