At the San Antonio Zoo, one of the oldest elephants in the country, Lucky, was euthanized on Wednesday as members of the team who had cared for her comforted her to the very end. Lucky died quietly under the supervision of the veterinarians and staff.
According to the zoo’s Facebook page, Lucky had been one of the most beloved attractions at the zoo since 1962. On average Asian elephants live to 47 years of age. Her passing comes seven months after she lost her companion Karen. Lucky and Karen, along with another female elephant Nicole had been known as the “Golden Girls. It is expected that Nicole will be relocated to a sanctuary to live with other elephants.
Lucky will be missed by all her caretakers, visitors to the zoo, and our entire community. Lucky had a wonderful and warm personality – she often preferred being with her keepers than with other elephants. She was known for her sweetness, appreciation of affection, and gentle demeanor.
Facebook
Lucky has always preferred the company of her human caretakers over the other elephants, and her life at the zoo did not come without significant controversy. In 2016, the Animal League Defense Fund sued the San Antonio Zoo in 2016 alleging the elephant’s living situation was too small and asked that she be relocated to an elephant sanctuary. That lawsuit was later dropped.
The current elephant habitat will be used for the expansion of the Savannah, an area where giraffes, a zebra, an ostrich and other African species will live.
As part of the zoo’s future expansion, plans are in the works for a world class elephant habitat having been inspired by the “love and appreciation” and the efforts to “save them from extinction.”
Elephants WILL return to San Antonio Zoo in the future as part of the zoo’s planned expansion with a new, world-class elephant habitat. Lucky inspired us all to love and appreciate elephants and continue fighting to save them from extinction.
Sleep well Lucky; you will be missed.
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RIP Lucky. Good Luck Nicole you have finally won your freedom and will live free.
BEYOND TRAGIC! SHE NEVER GOT TO A SANCTUARY!
why wasn’t she sent to s Sanctuary??
Was she sick??