An elephant that’s been a favorite of visitors at a South Coast Zoo for nearly a half century has been euthanized, due to major health issues. Sujatha lived at the Santa Barbara Zoo since the early 1970’s. The 47 year old female Asian elephant had been dealing with arthritis, and pain.
For the last three years, she had been receiving a number of treatments to ease the discomfort. But, in the last two weeks Sujatha had a hard time walking, and refused food and medication.
An independent expert from the San Diego Zoo was called in, and they agreed further treatment wouldn’t help.
The death raises questions about her longtime companion, Little Mac. Sujatha and Little Mac had lived together for almost their entire lives. Experts will be consulted to see if she can remain at the zoo, or needs to be moved to another facility with other elephants.
