Autopsy: Elephant had cancer

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Elephant Connie had cancer, officials confirm

Connie, the Asian elephant who spent decades at the Reid Park Zoo before being moved to San Diego earlier this year, had an aggressive type of cancer in her reproductive system, necropsy results show.

Reid Park's beloved Connie put down at San Diego Zoo

Connie, left, and Shaba shared an enclosure in Tucson for 30 years. They were moved in February to the San Diego Zoo's Elephant Odyssey, which has facilities for sick and elderly elephants. Connie suffered from urinary- and reproductive-tract infections.

Reid Park's beloved Connie put down at San Diego Zoo

Keeper Gale Ferrick helped take care of Connie at Tucson's Reid Park Zoo. Connie was born in the wild and came to Reid Park in 1968.

Reid Park's beloved Connie put down at San Diego Zoo

Connie, pictured here with a 2-year-old Shaba, became a mother figure to the African elephant.

Reid Park's beloved Connie put down at San Diego Zoo

Connie, a 45-year-old Asian elephant who spent most of her life at the Reid Park Zoo, was euthanized at her new home in San Diego Thursday after urinary- and reproductive-tract infections caused a serious decline in her health.

Connie the elephant

Connie, Reid Park Zoo's longtime elephant, was euthanized last week at the San Diego Zoo. Officials there said the elephant was suffering from cancer and other illnesses.

Josh Brodesky: Elephant advocates lose fight, win respect

In this story, heartbreak starts with congratulations. After Hizzoner sealed the deal on the future of our elephants, moving Connie and Shaba to San Diego together, the congratulations came rolling in to Tracy Toland and Jessica Shuman.