Thursday, July 19, 2012

Connie the Elephant Has Died

Posted By on Thu, Jul 19, 2012 at 2:07 PM

Connie (center) and Shaba (left)
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Connie (center) and Shaba (left)

The subject of a great deal of controversy last year, Connie, one of the two elephants sent to San Diego as part of the preparations for the new elephant exhibit at the Reid Park Zoo, was euthanized today.

From the San Diego Zoo's blog on Connie's health:

Since her arrival in San Diego in February 2012, veterinarians, technicians, keepers, and managers have worked extensively with Connie to manage her health concerns. We saw improvements, but this time the response was not the same. Over the last couple of weeks, her condition continued to deteriorate and severely affect her quality of life. She was drinking about 1.5 gallons of water when she needs 75 gallons daily to live. Connie’s immune and organ systems simply were not keeping up with her disease. This morning, we made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize her when it became apparent that Connie would be unable to sustain herself. We know many of you will share in our loss as we say goodbye to Connie and hope that you know she will be greatly missed.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild released a comment on Connie's passing in a press release:

"I was saddened to learn of Connie's passing today, both for Connie and for Shaba, her companion," said Mayor Rothschild. "I am confident that Connie received the best of care at San Diego's geriatric elephant facility. We knew this day would come. Connie was elderly, and that was why this facility was chosen. It is sad that it has come so soon."

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