Perth Zoo’s Asian elephant Tricia, the oldest to be cared for by a zoo in Australia and one of the oldest elephants in the world, has died peacefully at age 65, surrounded by her carers.
She was among the oldest elephants in the world and the oldest being cared for by a zoo in Australasia.
Tricia’s health and welfare had been monitored closely for some time by veterinarians and her dedicated elephant keepers, but her health status recently deteriorated and she had suffered from a lack of sleep and mobility issues.
Tricia’s final moments were peaceful. She was surrounded by her carers in her night quarters on Wednesday evening.
Perth Zoo asks that the community do not send flowers, but rather help create a lasting legacy by contributing to the Tricia Tribute to Conservation Fund, established to support the conservation work of Perth Zoo and build an elephant guard post in the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem in Sumatra in Tricia’s name.
This will help conservationists monitor and protect one of the last remaining wild herds of Sumatran Elephants.
Tricia with her 64th birthday “cake”. Credit:Paul Kane/Getty
A special memorial walk will also open to the public at Perth Zoo on Sunday, giving the community the opportunity to pay their respects.
“Tricia wasn’t just well-known, she was well-loved,” said Premier Mark McGowan.
“Her stature and her grace were compelling. For many, she was a Perth icon. For six decades, she was an integral part of any visit to Perth Zoo. If you lived in Perth at some point in your life then you probably have a memory of Tricia.
“I want to acknowledge and thank all the staff at Perth Zoo who have been humanely caring for Tricia, particularly during the rapid decline in her health. Tricia brought such joy to so many people, which is why it was important that in her final moments she was treated with love, dignity and respect.”
In 2018, the government announced the zoo would wind up its elephant exhibition when Tricia passed away. The other two elephants were happy and healthy but when Tricia died they would be best off being part of a bigger herd, something not able to be facilitated at a small metropolitan zoo. Arrangements had been made for the two remaining elephants to be rehomed at other zoos where they would be integrated into a herd setting.
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