Audubon Zoo has lost a 55-year-old elephant resident.
The elephant, Panya, was euthanized Thursday after a decline in her health due to kidney disease.
The female Asian elephant had been at the zoo for 39 years and was beloved by zoo staff and volunteers.
“Panya was an amazing animal," said Audubon Zoo Curator of Large Mammals Joe Forys. "She was brilliant and incredibly strong-spirited. We all loved her, and we will miss her deeply.”
Fotys had worked with Panya for more than 19 years.
Zoo officials say Panya served as an ambassador for her endangered species. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the population of Asian elephants is estimated to have declined by 50 percent or more.
Apress release Thursday, the zoo announced...
It is with great sadness that Audubon Zoo announces the passing of Panya, a beloved 55-year-old female Asian elephant. Audubon veterinary and animal care staff made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her following a steep decline in her health due to kidney disease.
In the final stages of her illness, Panya received hospice care at Audubon Zoo, during which her condition was monitored closely and every effort was made to maintain her comfort. Once it became clear that the condition was irreversible and her quality of life was being impacted, Audubon’s expert veterinary and animal care staff decided that the most humane course of action was to say goodbye to Panya.
The zoo’s exhibit still features three other elephants: 46-ear-old Jean, 36-year-old Surapa and 37-year-old Jothi, who both came to the zoo in November 2018 from the Buffalo Zoo.
