Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date: July 25, 2006
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For More Information
Contact: Calvin White, CEO
(416) 392-5910 |
PATSY THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT
1966 to 2006
July 25, 2006, Toronto, Ontario: It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Patsy, matriarch of the Zoo's elephant herd for many years, at the age of forty. A familiar and easily recognizable figure to Zoo staff and guests, Patsy passed away surrounded by the Keepers who cared for her.
Her death took place after a period of failing health due to long-term degenerative arthritis likely caused by an earlier injury. Several medical examinations indicated that there was no possibility of further treatment or of recovery. Her discomfort has been especially acute in the past six months and as a result the very difficult decision was made to euthanize her. Patsy will be deeply mourned by all her human and animal friends.
"Patsy had a presence about her," comments Eric Cole, Senior Elephant Keeper. "She was an unusual animal, imposing and unique. Both the staff and the other six elephants will miss her hugely." "All the staff who have worked with Patsy are deeply saddened by her loss and have wonderful memories of her time with us," adds Duncan Bourne Animal Care Supervisor of the Zoo's African Savanna section.
"In her later years," notes Eric Cole, "Patsy had a very calm disposition towards people. If you rubbed her face, she would give you a friendly rumble. Throwing her shower water back at you if it wasn't warm enough was the closest she ever came to being aggressive. As matriarch, she gained and maintained control over the Zoo's elephant herd for over thirty years."
Feeling that it was important for the remaining elephants Thika, Toka, Iringa, Tara, Tequila, and Tessa, to be able to say "goodbye" to Patsy, Toronto Zoo Animal Care staff made it possible for them to spend the night with her following her death. Elephants, who have a close social network, need, just like people, to go through a mourning process.
Born in the wilds of Mozambique, Africa, Patsy sailed to Canada via the Polish Ocean Line Zabrze and arrived at the Toronto Zoo in 1974. Once settled in at the Zoo, Patsy soon became the matriarch of the elephant herd and witnessed the births of four elephant calves. Over the years, despite being the highest ranking elephant, she developed a relaxed attitude towards both keepers and the other elephants, even letting Tessa, the lowest ranking elephant, take food from her.
The Toronto Zoo participates in a Species Survival Plan (SSP) for elephants and works continuously to improve elephant care in captivity. Current research projects include a study of reproductive cycles in elephants. The Toronto Zoo also supports valuable field research projects through their Endangered Species Reserve Fund, to help preserve this magnificent species in the wild.
