The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
Monica, one of the Virginia Zoo's longtime elephants, died Tuesday night after months of suffering from an illness that had worsened this month.
The 38-year-old elephant, who experienced neurologic malfunction, loss of trunk coordination and reduced muscle mass, was euthanized about 7 p.m. at the zoo, according to a news release. She had been treated with vitamin supplements, and special attention had been paid to keeping her hydrated and well-fed, the zoo said.
"It was a heart-wrenching decision, but her quality of life changed significantly this week, and we didn't want her to suffer," said Greg Bockheim, the zoo's executive director. "Monica lost interest in socializing with staff and other elephants and experienced further deterioration of both her mental and physical condition."
Before she became sick, Monica weighed about 9,900 pounds, spokesman Winfield Danielson said.
With Monica's death, the zoo has two elephants: Lisa, another wild-caught elephant, who arrived from Namibia the same month as Monica and who was also born in 1973, and Cita, who arrived in March 2005 from the Indianapolis Zoo and was born in 1968.
Neither Lisa nor Cita is showing signs of the illness that Monica had, Danielson said.
The average life expectancy for African elephants kept in zoos in North America is 35, said Steve Feldman, spokesman for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Monica's body was deposited Tuesday night by crane in a commercial truck, which took her to an undisclosed location.
A team of elephant veterinary experts was scheduled to begin examining Monica's body Wednesday under the direction of the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park veterinary pathology staff, said Karin Korpowski-Gallo, a National Zoo spokeswoman.
"It's an incredible opportunity for us to learn a huge amount of information about an elephant that was wild-born," Korpow-ski-Gallo said. A
diagnosis might not be known for as long as 12 weeks.
At this time, the Virginia Zoo does not plan to add another elephant, Danielson said. Donations recognizing Monica can be made to the International Elephant Foundation's My Elephant Neighbor project at www.elephantconservation.org/donation.php.
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"SANCTUARY"
A sick elephant is blamed for an outbreak of TB among workers at The Elephant Sanctuary (TES) in Tennessee in 2009. TB can only be spread through close physical contact. Some of those who were infected with TB at TES were office staff-- What's going on there that the office staff should have such intimate contact with "sanctuary" elephants that they'd get TB from them? Are they allowed such contact simply because they are inherently more righteous than zoo staffs or members of the public?
Those who wish to deny regular people the opportunity to see, hear and smell an elephant can't wait for a story like this, so they can demand that more elephants are sent to their allies. Yet what goes on in these "sanctuaries" is swept under the table.
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES
Deepest sympathies go out to the caring staff of the Virginia Zoo who undoubtedly worked long and hard in the hopes that Monica recovered. These have been difficult times for them, and sadly there will be more to follow. In cases like these, the floodgates of commentary will open from those who oppose the presence of elephants in zoos.
The efforts of Monica’s caring staff may be demeaned, their dedication attacked and the zoo will be coerced to succumb to the animal rights agenda. Stand tall, zoo staff-- those who understand your commitment to the care and welfare of elephants (and wildlife in general) appreciate what you do. Far many more people have been inspired by their visits to the Virgina Zoo than those who challenge your integrity.
Retire the Elephants to Sanctuary
It's the right thing to do. Elephants thrive in the company of many other elephants -- that's how nature designed them. These survivors have served the zoo's interests, now it's time to do what's right for them.
No zoo can come close to providing the vast space and stimulation that these intelligent and self-aware animals need.
Elephants
So sad. You all should push for the other two to be sent to Tennessee. Look up their website Look how happy those elephants seem to be when they are allowed to roam and be free. Elephants weren't meant to stand on two legs, sit on a stool, give people rides, be caged or just be there for someones amusement. Think of what it felt like to go through a death. That is what the other two are going through. Send them to Tennessee so they can have peace and enjoy their last days.
Want a healthy elephant
Want a healthy elephant ?
Give it free range from Melfa to New Bern.
Our new crock needs the company.
Heartfelt condolences
Deepest sympathies go out to the caring staff of the Virginia Zoo who undoubtedly worked long and hard in the hopes that Monica recovered. These have been difficult times for you, and there will be more to follow. Sadly, in cases like these, the floodgates of commentary from the animal rights / anti-zoo organizations open. They and their followers will demean your efforts, attack your dedication and coerce you to succumb to their agenda. Stand tall-- those who understand your commitment to the care and welfare of elephants (and wildlife in general) appreciate all that you do. Far many more people have quietly learned from, and been inspired, by their visits to the Virgina Zoo than those noisy few who will challenge your integrity.
Such a loss
Monica was like a member of the family. As a zoo member, I go to the zoo a lot. And the "must do" every time I go is to see the elephants, and my favorite has always been Monica.
I know that all dogs go to heaven, let's hope we get elephant rides too!!
We miss you Monica!!
the Taco Belle
Monica
My family and I were at the zoo on Easter and I watched poor Monica bump back and forth in her containment area. I'm sure it was a hard choice for zoo staff but you did the right thing. It was heartbreaking to see her confused state and to see the other elephant standing near her cage watching over her. They are precious creatures and I commend the zoo staff for doing such a good job caring for the animals. But watch out for that nesting pair of geese! Keep your children away, please. The male knocked down a little boy who got too close and could've caused a severe injury to the little guy.
Monica was in the prime of
Monica was in the prime of her life. Elephants die well before their 60-70 year natural lifespan when kept in severe zoo confinement. Half of the elephants that have died in AZA facilities, like Virgina Zoo, never reached the age of 40. Science, statistics and compassion tells us that elephants don’t belong in zoos. Please send the surviving two elephants to The Elephant Sanctuary in TN.
I'd say the move alone would
I'd say the move alone would do more harm than good to the other two. The change of habitat wouldn't be good for any animal like that. What would be the point?