Australia's oldest living African elephant has died, with staff and animals from Taronga Western Plains Zoo now in mourning.
Yum Yum was the longest serving resident of the park, in Dubbo, central NSW, and will be sorely missed by locals and tourists alike. She was put down after suffering a digestive-related illness, aged approximately 41.
"Staff at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are deeply saddened by the passing of Yum Yum," general manager Matt Fuller said in a statement. "Yum Yum had a unique personality," Mr Fuller continued. "She was quietly assertive and was very easy going. She was highly intelligent and enjoyed learning new behaviours".
Yum Yum's health had been under observation for some time before her death due to her age, which led to a special aged care program being devised by her keepers.
Unfortunately, though, she took an unexpected turn for the worse. She was monitored around the clock but continued to deteriorate and on Saturday staff made the difficult and sad decision to put her down.
According to The World Wildlife Fund, African elephants can live until 70 but they are susceptible to age-related illness.
A zoo spokesman said Yum Yum was suffering from a digestive illness and that final tests would be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.
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| Yum Yum and another elephant, Cuddles |
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