Australia is mourning the loss of its last African elephant in captivity on Wednesday, with the death of 'Cuddles', a 46-year old elephant at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Cuddles, the Taronga Zoo’s longest residing animal and last African elephant in Australia dies
The death of an African elephant at Dubbo's Taronga Western Plains Zoo, has marked the end of an era for the species in Australia.
Cuddles was the zoo's oldest inhabitant and, according to the zoo, the last African elephant in captivity in Australia.
She arrived in 1977 from the United Kingdom with two other females and was estimated to be 46-years-old.
Zoo staff had been monitoring Cuddles closely over the past week as her health had slowly declined due to digestive issues.
The Dubbo facility's director Matt Fuller said the elephant was very special to many people, including staff and visitors.
"She was a much loved member of the zoo community," Mr Fuller said.
"She's got a lot of history, not only with the zoo and the people who work within the zoo and the people who provide the care for her, but also the people who have grown up knowing that she is here each and every time they visit the zoo since those days when the gates opened 40 years ago.
“We are all mourning the loss of this beautiful animal, who was much loved by staff, volunteers, and visitors alike.” the zoo said.
The almost ancient elephant had been suffering from a number of health conditions, with the “heartbreaking” call made to euthanise her.
“She will be greatly missed and her passing represents the end of an era for African elephants in Australia,” the zoo management said.
“She loved being the centre of attention and interacting with zoo keepers and had even perfected the art of getting extra treats like banana and lucerne.”