Much loved Zoo elephant dies

Elephant Kashin, one of Auckland Zoo's oldest and most recognisable residents, has died age 40.

A message on Auckland Zoo's website says "much-loved female elephant Kashin, a part of the zoo family for over 36 years, was put to sleep at 5pm this evening after losing her battle with chronic health conditions".

Auckland Zoo Board Chair, Councillor Graeme Mulholland said staff were devastated, "grieving the loss of their incredibly spirited and gentle matriarch".

"Kashin touched the lives, not just of the zoo family, but thousands of New Zealanders and international visitors who came to know and love her.

"She was a real icon of the zoo and of Auckland, and an extraordinary advocate for wildlife and Auckland Zoo's conservation efforts. She will be greatly missed by all."

Kashin was transferred to Auckland Zoo via jumbo jet at age four. At age 40 she was considered "middle aged" but suffered from arthritis. The decision to euthanase the 40-year-old was made by staff over the weekend after her condition deteriorated, Auckland Zoo senior vet Richard Jakob-Hoff said.

"She has suffered chronic arthritis and foot abscesses for many years, and of late, she developed skin infections over her body that were not healing and reflected a breakdown in her inmmune system," Dr Jakob-Hoff said.

"Despite being on pain relief, she was showing signs of being in pain. Kashin is such a spirited animal, it was clear to us that her condition had deteriorated."

This morning when there was no change, staff realised that it would be "unfair to let her continue", Dr Jakob-Hoff said.

A note on Auckland Zoo's website says it will be closed tomorrow out of respect for Kashin and staff.

Kashin celebrated her 40th birthday in November. At the time Auckland Zoo elephant team leader, Andrew Coers described Kashin as "like the Queen Mum, the matriarch of the zoo family".

"She is very intelligent and she knows what she likes - and that's definitely food ahead of exercise."

Dr Jakob-Hoff says Kashin arrived at the zoo from Thailand in 1972 as a four-year-old with pigeon-toed feet, which pre-disposed her to foot conditions.

"Arthritis is a degenerative and incurable condition, and an elephant with arthritis is going to get worse a lot quicker than a human would do. You also have to consider that at 3.5 tonne, although a good weight for Kashin, her joints, and her feet were under huge pressure."

Auckland Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken said Kashin's death could have a big impact on the zoo's remaining elephant - 26-year-old Burma.

"Our top priority will be to get company for Burma as soon as possible, and in the meantime keepers will be giving Burma all the extra attention that she needs."

Fact about Kashin:

- She arrived at Auckland Zoo in 1972 on a jumbo jet aged four
- Her name comes from an ASB naming competition ("cash-in") and she is the elephant on the ASB moneyboxes
- Kashin weighed approximately 3.6 tonnes
- She loved food, people, praise and attention
- She was not a fan of exercise, but enjoyed swimming in her pool.

Source: Auckland Zoo

 

- © Fairfax NZ News