OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS RADIO) – The Oakland Zoo has lost one of its elderly residents — a 46-year-old elephant named Lisa was euthanized this past weekend.
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On Sunday, Oakland Zoo officials had to make the difficult decision to put Lisa down after a battle with arthritis that affected her mobility. Lisa's last moments were peaceful and included her favorite things, watermelons and pineapples.
"Many tears were shed," said Colleen Kinzley, Vice President of Animal Care, Conservation and Research. "Lisa's a family member, very beloved and has been at the zoo for 33 years, almost, so it's a very difficult loss for many many people and animals."
When the weather improves, Lisa's elephant social mate Donna will be making the trip to live in a sanctuary in Tennessee where there are other female African elephants her own age. "There's a strong likelihood that Donna will be able to develop new friendships," Kinzley said. Community is an important aspect to an elephant's social life.
The zoo is still determining what to do with the remaining bull elephant Osh. "If we have a couple of young male elephants come here to the zoo, that could be the future of elephants in the Oakland Zoo for quite some time," Kinzley said.
If they can't be found, there is a possibility that Osh will also have to be sent away.
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