Newborn Elephant Accidentally Killed By Mom's Tusk At Zoo

[OhioChick]

July 8, 2009

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Memphis Zoo's baby elephant died Wednesday after she stumbled in her exhibit, reported Commercialappeal.com.

Her mother, Asali, tried to help the baby back up, and her tusk injured the calf. The injury happened at around 10 a.m.

Zoo keepers worked immediately to separate Asali from her calf. They performed first aid and transported her to the zoo hospital. The injuries were too severe, and the calf expired at around 11:10 a.m.

Zoo veterinarians and keepers are caring for Asali. She will remain off exhibit until a later date.

"Everyone here at the Memphis Zoo is deeply saddened by this turn of events," said Dr. Chuck Brady, the Memphis Zoo's president. "We mourn this loss alongside Asali."

The pregnancy was a result of the zoo's continued participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) plans to grow the captive population of elephants. This plan, known as the Species Survival Plan, outlines the management and development of healthy elephant herds in U.S.

Asali will be monitored closely, Brady said at a press conference today, and will soon be returned to the company of the zoo’s other elephants for comfort.

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/19997153/detail.html

Awww....:(

[ccharles000]

1. sad

[Lorien]

2. Elephants are very emotional animals and they mourn deeply

I hope that Asali gets the comfort she needs from the others!

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Yes. Poor mama!

[Kadie]

3. .

:-(

very sad.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

4. so sad

:(

[BlooInBloo]

5. Poor mama. I saw a baby pachyderm in Vancouver once - soooo cute.

[Warpy]

6. I hope they let mom say goodbye

Elephants do mourn their dead. It would be cruel to take the body away without letting the mother elephant acknowledge and grieve.

[LeftyMom]

8. At least the poor thing won't grow up in a zoo.

Small favors, I guess. :(