Chitwan, September 19, 2026 — Ronaldo, a 53-year-old wild elephant known for fathering 33 calves and dominating the elephant herd in Sauraha, has died after being electrocuted by a power line near a Nepal Army post in Chitwan National Park (CNP).
Ronaldo was found dead near Bishajari Lake, with a black electric wire reportedly still inside his mouth. CNP Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar said the wire had been installed to supply electricity to the Army’s Barandabhar Post.
“The black electric wire had been installed about 17 feet above the ground. It appears the elephant came into contact with the wire while trying to eat it,” Thapa Magar said.
The elephant was found dead on the road, about 700 meters from the Army security post. Thapa Magar said he is believed to have died on Friday night.
Ronaldo was considered highly valuable for elephant breeding. According to park officials, 33 of the 71 calves born at the Elephant Breeding Center in Sauraha were fathered by Ronaldo. Six other elephants are currently pregnant with his offspring.






