Winky the Elephant Dies at Animal Sanctuary
SAN ANDREAS, CA - Winky the elephant who lived at the Sacramento Zoo for nearly 40 years died early this morning at the PAWS sanctuary in San Andreas, according to a PAWS spokeswoman.
Winky had been suffering from joint problems. Over the weekend, she had slid to her hind quarters and could not get up. Attempts were made to save her life, but she could not stand so veterinarians decided to euthanize her.
"Winky was a wonderful girl," said PAWS' Director, Pat Derby in a news release. "She was a sweet favorite of all of those who cared-for her. She had a happy spring day yesterday -– getting lots and lots of attention, and of course, lots of her special treats. We will all miss her terribly."
Winky was born in 1952 and was one of the oldest elephants in the U.S. She had lived at the Sacramento Zoo until she was sent to the Detroit Zoo. She went to PAWS on April 8, 2005 after the Detroit Zoo decided to close its elephant exhibit.
http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=40417&GID=2ZY42ciqi/PobjX+SBUdDxFtB4NyE6QkhTHWrRAhjl8%3D