A male African elephant named Timbo died at the Mysuru zoo in the early hours of Wednesday.
Zoo authorities said the tall elephant was aged about 50 years and was one of the star attractions at the zoo.
Zoo Executive Director Venkatesan told The Hindu that the elephant was suffering from chronic arthritis for several years and its condition had worsened 20 days ago.
Despite treatment based on the advice of experienced vets and elephant experts, the jumbo’s condition did not improve and it collapsed around 12:35 am, he said.
“The exact cause for the death will be known once the post-mortem is done,” Mr Venkatesan replied.
The deceased elephant was brought to the zoo from a German zoo in 1976 along with its son, Rambo, who is now around 25 years. The zoo is now left with one African elephant with the death of Timbo.
