Memorial service for Kashin

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE: Zookeeper Andrew Coers had worked with Burma, left, and Kashin for more than 10 years.

The public will have a chance to say a final farewell to beloved Auckland Zoo elephant Kashin this Sunday.

A memorial service at the zoo from 10am to 2pm will be a chance for people, many of whom got to know Kashin well during her 36 years at the zoo, to say goodbye.

Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken says it has been inundated with calls from the public with support and inquiries about what they can do to help.

At a press conference on Tuesday Mr Wilcken confirmed there were also plans to build a memorial statue or plaque to remember Kashin.

"It will be something solid that people can remember her by."

The zoo has also announced the establishment of a Kashin memorial fund which will go directly towards the conservation of wild elephants.

The decision to euthanise Kashin was made on Monday after her health deteriorated significantly during the weekend.

The 40-year-old elephant had suffered from chronic arthritis and foot abscesses for many years and had recently developed skin infections that were not healing.

She was buried on Tuesday night on the zoo’s grounds in an area where she and remaining elephant Burma walked together.

The public has been allowed to visit Burma in the elephant enclosure this week, but staff say they will be watching her closely for stressed or anxious behaviour as she adjusts to the loss of her companion of 18 years.

"If she wants to keep out of the public gaze we will respect that," says Mr Wilcken.

Finding a companion for 26-year-old Burma is a top priority for zoo staff but it could be years away.

"Being on her own is not a great state for Burma," says Mr Wilcken.

The lack of any import health standards for bringing elephants into New Zealand means finding her a companion in the near future is impossible because there are no potential candidates in the country.

The zoo has submitted an application for a standard to be considered by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry but it could be up to two years until anything is established.

"If we determine down the track that she’s not handling it very well we may have to send her to a zoo overseas."

When regulations are established the zoo plans to build up a larger, sustainable breeding herd of up to 10 elephants.

For further information about Sunday’s memorial service go to www.aucklandzoo.co.nz.