Representational Image (Thinkstock)
The century-old zoological park in Thiruvananthapuram is getting ready to retrieve and display the bones of a dead elephant, claimed to be the oldest captive jumbo in Asia.
The 84-year-old 'Maheswari', the oldest inmate of the zoo, died following age-related ailments last February.
According to zoo records, the female elephant had been brought to the zoo from a forest in Konni in Pathanamthitta district in 1946.
The pachyderm had been a major attraction for elephant lovers especially children till it succumbed to old age ailments, zoo officials said.
Considering the sentimental attachment of zoo staff and animal buffs to the animal, the zoo authorities have drawn up a plan to collect its bones and display at the zoo complex, a top official said.
"The jumbo was buried at its enclosure in the zoo. It will take around one year for complete decay of the carcass. Only after that, we can collect the bones," Zoo Director B Joseph told PTI.
He said the bones of another elephant had been exhibited in a similar manner at Thrissur zoo.
"The bones of Maheswari are not big specimen as that of the Thrissur zoo elephant. But, our sentimental attachment to the animal has prompted us in thinking about such a plan," he said.
Though the elephant was believed to be 84-years-old,its exact age was yet to to be confirmed, he said.
"It was aged between 84-87. Zoo records gives us such an impression. Whether it is 84 or 87, it is believed to be the oldest captive jumbo in Asia," the official added.