Patna: A female elephant at the Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champran district of Bihar has been mourning for the past two days after her male partner died of disease on Tuesday, forest officials say.

The “love affair” between the two animals had become a talking point among the VTR officials.

Rupa and her partner Amrit — as they were named by the forest officials — had been together for years, entertaining the audience at a local circus. When they were finally rescued from the circus they were again paired together at the VTR, keeping in view their long association.

But the sudden death of Amrit has now left Rupa heartbroken and completely shattered.

“Rupa has been refusing food and is [not responding to wardens] since the death of her partner,” said Prabha Sahni, a VTR employee whose job is to take care of the elephant.

“She does not look interested in us and does not respond to our call,” he added.

If the officials are to be believed, Rupa never became pregnant as she did not allow other elephants to come in her life even after Amrit fell victim to the arthritis which limited his physical movements. He could not be saved despite all kinds of treatment and every possible effort by the doctors.

“Rupa never became pregnant as she never accepted another male partner other than Amrit who was suffering from arthritis for a long time which ultimately restricted his bodily functions. Such was the bond of love between them,” another forest official said.

Such was the attachment between the two elephants, officials add, that they helped each other in their daily chores and shared food.

They had been moved to the VTR in 2007 shortly after being rescued from a circus at Patna where they had a gruelling work schedule. Apparently, it was at the circus that Amrit was hit by arthritis. Authorities said after Amrit’s condition worsened, Rupa was moved to a neighbouring forest in VTR to ensure her partner was given more personalised care. However, he died soon after their separation.

Eventually, he was consigned to a grave in the presence of Rupa. Many of the forest officials paid a tribute to the elephant before he was laid to rest.

“We are extremely sorry we could not save him despite all efforts,” said Dr Gyanendra Sharma who treated Amrit in his last days.