KATMANDU, Nepal -- Prem Prasad, the elephant that carried King Birendra -- and his father before him -- in their coronation processions, has died at the age of 81, wildlife officials said Thursday.
In a belated announcement, the officials said the octogenarian pachyderm died of natural causes on Feb. 1.
King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya rode the richly decorated elephant through the streets of Katmandu in 1975, on the day they were crowned.
Prem Prasad marched in other processions as well, including the 1956 coronation of King Mahendra, the father of the current king of Nepal.
Elephants also carry Nepalese dignitaries in other important royal ceremonies, like weddings.
Wildlife officials said Prem Prasad expired in the Royal Chitwan National Park. An Indian fig tree has been planted over his grave, they said.
