09-05-2025
'Her legacy will live on': Phoenix Zoo announces death of 59-year-old Asian elephant Indu
The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation and the Phoenix Zoo announced the passing of 59-year-old female Asian elephant Indu.
The Phoenix Zoo said Indu had undergone treatment for osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that weakens cartilage over time, and that she was struggling with age-related illnesses. The zoo said Indu's care team had been managing her conditions with daily medication, various treatments and therapies.
It had become difficult for Indu to manage her discomfort, and the Phoenix Zoo said they saw a decline in her mobility. Veterinarians and zookeeping staff recognized the decline in her health and decided to euthanize Indu on May 8.
Zoo representatives said she passed away surrounded by those who loved her the most — her dedicated care team.
"Indu was truly a remarkable elephant who touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to know her. Her gentle spirit, intelligence and resilience inspired not only our staff but also the millions of guests who visited her over the years," said President and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo Bert Castro. "Her 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."
The Phoenix Zoo said Indu was considered elderly, surpassing the average life expectancy of 48 for elephants in facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
'The elephant Indu lived and thrived under the compassionate care of dedicated and expert professional staff at the Phoenix Zoo. Her 59 years of life is a testament to the focus on animal care and wellbeing that is a hallmark of the Phoenix Zoo and all AZA-accredited members,' said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the association.
Indu arrived at the Phoenix Zoo in 1998 and quickly became an ambassador for Asian elephants, a species classified as endangered.
'Indu has captivated the hearts of guests and staff alike with her gentle nature and immense presence,' said Heather Wright, elephant collection manager at the zoo. 'Indu has made and continues to leave an indelible impression on all who have the privilege to care for her and the guests who have had the joy of seeing her. We thank you for your support and condolences during this difficult time.'
The Phoenix Zoo said Indu's story brought awareness to the challenges faced by elephants in the wild and inspired countless guests to advocate for conservation efforts.
"Her imposing stature was matched only by her gentle demeanor, and she brought smiles to the faces of countless guests, from wide-eyed children seeing an elephant for the first time to lifelong Zoo supporters who came back time and again to visit her," the statement from the Phoenix Zoo said.
The zoo said they take solace in the profound impact she had on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
The Phoenix Zoo honored Indu's memory with a webpage featuring photos, videos and memories shared by staff and zookeepers who deeply loved Indu.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Zoo reveals the death of beloved 59-year-old elephant Indu
