Devi the elephant, 45, euthanized at San Diego Zoo

A forty five-year-old feminine Asian elephant was euthanized due to her deteriorating well being from age-related issues, the San Diego Zoo introduced Friday.

Devi had been present process remedy however her mobility had declined and wildlife care specialists “made the tough resolution” on Thursday to euthanize her, the zoo mentioned in a Fb posting.

“The San Diego Zoo household is heartbroken,” the zoo mentioned.

Devi arrived on the zoo in 1977 from an elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka.

“She impressed visitors from all around the world to grasp the significance of elephant conservation and leaves behind a exceptional legacy as an envoy for her species,” the zoo mentioned.

Devi was the second oldest of 5 elephants on the zoo. Mary, a 58-year-old Asian elephant, and African elephant Shaba, 42, lived along with her on the Elephant Care Middle.

After Devi died, the 2 had been allowed to view her physique and “make their goodbyes,” the zoo mentioned.

Elephants within the wild are extremely social animals and scientists say some have been noticed performing behaviors that in people would possibly point out mourning for a lifeless acquaintance.

The Asian elephant can stay for many years within the wild and in captivity. It’s thought-about endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, with an estimated wild inhabitants of about 50,000.

The San Diego Zoo has euthanized two different elephants for well being causes previously six years. Ranchipur, a 50-year-old Asian male, died in 2016 and Tembo, a 48-year-old African feminine, was euthanized in 2019.

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