Asia’s oldest captive elephant Dakshayani dies at 88

Thiruvananthapuram, February 6

The oldest captive elephant in Asia and Guinness record holder, 88-year old Dakshayani, died at a care centre at nearby Pappanamcode.

The end came on Tuesday following old-age illness, sources in the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which owned the elephant, said.

In 2016, she was conferred the ‘Gaja Muthassi’ (elephant granny) title and entered the Guinness book of records.

The postal department had also brought out a postal cover on the elephant.

Dakshayani was much sought after in temple processions and was a constant presence at the ‘Arattu’ procession of the Padmanabha Swamy temple here until three years ago.

The last rites of the animal are expected to be held on Wednesday evening. PTI