Heartbroken San Diego Zoo staff are forced to euthanize ‘gentle’ 59-year-old Asian elephant Mary
Heartbroken San Diego Zoo employees are forced to euthanize ‘gentle’ 59-year-old Asian elephant Mary
- It followed a ‘decrease’ in her mobility after she started to have joint problems
- The “uniquely dominant” but “gentle” pachyderm had been under veterinary care
Heartbroken San Diego zoo staff euthanized an Asian elephant after age-related joint problems began to affect her quality of life.
The 59-year-old geriatric elephant, named Mary, was compassionately put down after the decision to do so was made by her health and care specialists following a “decline” in her mobility.
The “uniquely dominant” but “gentle” pachyderm had been under veterinary care, including hydrotherapy and physical therapy to relieve her joint ailments “for quite some time,” zoo officials said.
Mary lived at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park from 1980 to 2009, after which she was transferred to the San Diego Zoo, just over 35 miles south of the safari park.
“Animal welfare specialists described her as a uniquely dominant personality, as well as a peaceful presence that was a comfort to other elephants,” the zoo wrote.
The 59-year-old geriatric elephant, named Mary, was put down compassionately after the decision to do so was made by her health and care specialists following a ‘decline’ in her mobility
Mary lived at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park from 1980 to 2009, after which she was transferred to the San Diego Zoo, just over 34 miles south of the safari park.
“As an ambassador for her species, Mary helped educate guests about the difference between Asian and African elephants, the threats they face, and how we adapt our care to aging animals. Mary’s physical therapy and palliative care also made her a recognizable presence for people with similar conditions.
“Mary’s kind presence will be greatly missed,” they shared on their official Instagram account.
The animal lived in the zoo’s Elephant Odyssey habitat, which is equipped with a care center to help senior elephants.
“After Mary passed away, Shaba, who lived with Mary, had the opportunity to see her and say goodbye,” the zoo added.
“Shaba will have her choice of socializing with neighboring elephants Nipho and Sundzu.”
According to the zoo, the average life expectancy for a female Asian elephant is 47 years.
Asian elephants are listed as an endangered species according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.