The St. Louis Zoo is grieving the loss of Rani, a beloved Asian elephant, who tragically passed away at the age of 27. Suspected to have suffered a heart attack, Rani collapsed after an encounter with an unleashed dog near her herd. Despite efforts to revive her, she could not be saved.
Rani, who arrived at the zoo in 2001 at the age of five, leaves behind her mother, Ella, two sisters, and her daughter, Jade. Zoo director Michael Macek expressed deep sorrow and appealed for community support during this difficult time.
A subsequent examination revealed preexisting heart issues in Rani, though the exact cause of her death remains uncertain. Her distinctive squeals and playful nature endeared her to both caretakers and visitors alike.
The presence of the unleashed dog in the zoo remains under investigation. While service animals with restrictions are permitted, pets are strictly prohibited. The zoo confirmed that the dog was safely handed over to a shelter.
Asian elephants, known for their longevity, face threats to their survival, with an estimated global population of 40,000-50,000. The St. Louis Zoo recently announced plans to relocate one of its Asian elephants as part of the Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan, aiming to safeguard their welfare and genetic diversity.
Hailing from countries like China, India, and Malaysia, Asian elephants represent remarkable beings, celebrated for their immense stature and importance to ecosystems. While their typical lifespan is around 70 years, in captivity, they can live up to 80 years.