Haldwani, Oct. 20 -- Sonakali, a female elephant whose courage and service made her an integral part of wildlife conservation efforts at Corbett Tiger Reserve in Nainital district, died on Sunday at the age of around 80, forest officials said, adding that she had been suffering from age-related ailments and was retired from official duties on January 23, 2018. According to CTR deputy director Shirin Sanjay, Sonakali was kept under a care regimen tailored to her age, health and physical capabilities after her retirement. "On Sunday, Sonakali died," Sanjay said. Forest officials paid tribute to the elephant with a ceremonial salute before she was laid to rest with full state honours. "Sonakali was brought to Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1997 and served in several areas of the reserve during her long association with the forest department. She was posted in the Dhikala range between 1997 and 2002 before being deployed in the Haldu Padav and Kalagarh areas from 2002 to 2016. She returned to the Dhikala range in 2016 and remained there until her retirement", Sanjay said. He said over the years, Sonakali became an important part of tiger rescue operations, forest patrols and efforts to manage human-wildlife conflict. "Her contribution was particularly significant during a 2011 operation involving a man-eating tiger in the Garjiya area", the deputy director said. "One of the most remarkable episodes in her service occurred in 2012, following a fatal tiger attack on a man in the Sarpaduli range. Sonakali displayed exceptional courage and intelligence by retrieving his body from the tiger's jaws," Sanjay said. Her calm and gentle temperament made her a dependable companion for personnel working in challenging forest conditions, forest officials said....