KATHMANDU: Ronaldo, a well-known wild male elephant in the Sauraha-Khorsor area of Chitwan National Park, has died at the age of around 53. The elephant was cremated according to religious rites.
According to park sources, Ronaldo was found dead near the Bishazari post. During the postmortem examination, an electrical wire was found inside the elephant’s mouth, raising suspicion that he may have died after becoming entangled in an electric wire. However, the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after further investigation.
The park said it was taking the incident seriously. The Nepal Army was deployed to prevent journalists from taking photographs and videos of the dead elephant.
According to Chitwan National Park Conservation Officer and Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar, the exact cause of Ronaldo’s death will be established following an investigation.
Ronaldo was widely known as a “celebrity” elephant in the Sauraha-Khorsor area and had a long association with the Elephant Breeding and Training Centre in Khorsor.
According to Chief Conservation Officer Dil Bahadur Purja Pun, Ronaldo was the father of many calves born at the centre. Of the 69 calves born at the centre up to Ashadh 2083, 38 were Ronaldo’s offspring.
Ronaldo was popular among tourists and locals for his massive size, agility and ability to fight other male elephants. He was reportedly named after football player Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to the park, Ronaldo also had injury marks on his body from fights with other elephants. He had lost his tail during one such encounter.
Ronaldo’s death marks the end of the life of a well-known wild elephant that had been familiar to the Sauraha-Khorsor area for many years. Further details about the cause and circumstances of his death, including the possible involvement of an electrical wire, are expected after the park completes its investigation and issues an official statement.
Photo: Rajendra Acharya/Nepal Photo Library
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