Phoenix Zoo has no plans to replace Indu the Asian elephant anytime soon
The Phoenix Zoo has no plans to bring in another elephant following the May 8 euthanasia of 59-year-old Indu, a spokesperson confirmed.
Indu had been sharing the habitat with two one-horned rhinos, named Chutti and Bhotu, the spokesperson, Linda Hardwick, said in an email on May 10. Those rhinos would stay in the habitat, she said.
Indu had undergone treatment for osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that weakens cartilage over time, zoo official said, and had been struggling with age-related illnesses.
Although the zoo had been giving Indu medication, treatment and therapies, she still appeared to be in discomfort, the zoo said. Staff also saw a decline in her mobility and overall health. That led to the decision to euthanize her.
Her care team surrounded her as she died, zoo officials said.
The president and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, Bert Castro, said that Indu's 'legacy will live on through the stories we share, the connections she helped people form with wildlife and our continued commitment to the highest standards of animal care. She will be profoundly missed.'
'Her legacy will live on': Phoenix Zoo announces death of 59-year-old Asian elephant Indu
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Zoo has no plans to replace Indu the Asian elephant
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