One of two elephants who spent many years at the Reid Park Zoo before being shipped to the San Diego Zoo at the beginning of the year was put down this morning.
Connie, an Asian elephant, was moved to the San Diego Zoo in February with her long-time companion Shaba.
Zoo officials in San Diego had worked with Connie, who was about 45 years old, to manage health concerns related to urinary and reproductive tract infections, officials said. Over the last couple of weeks, her condition continued to deteriorate.
“The difficult decision to euthanize Connie was made this morning after extensive discussion among the San Diego veterinarians and animal care staff once it became evident that her quality of life had significantly diminished and she would no longer be able to sustain herself,” said Reid Park Zoo administrator Susan Basford in a news release.
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild released the following statement regarding Connie's passing.
"I was saddened to learn of Connie's passing today, both for Connie and for Shaba, her companion," said Mayor Rothschild in the news release. "I am confident that Connie received the best of care at San Diego's geriatric elephant facility. We knew this day would come. Connie was elderly, and that was why this facility was chosen. It is sad that it has come so soon."
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