From Don Covington

Story, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Little Rock Zoo announces the death of Mary the Elephant LITTLE ROCK, AR – The long-lived life of Little Rock Zoo’s Mary the elephant ended peacefully Thursday, May 5, 2011, when the 60-year-old pachyderm was euthanized after her health took a sharp decline in the last few days. During the procedure, Mary was surrounded by the loving Zoo staff that cared for her including several staff members who worked with her for the more than 10 years she lived at the Zoo. Mary had been diagnosed with terminal tumors in her abdominal area on April 14, 2011 and was being treated with medicine to ease any discomfort and to prevent infection. Mary’s health took a turn for the worse this week and the decision to euthanize her was made carefully by Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Baeyens and Zoo Director Mike Blakely. After her passing, Mary’s companion, Ellen, an elephant living at the Little Rock Zoo since 1954, was then allowed into the barn to say goodbye to Mary. Zoo staff are staying with Ellen around the clock to provide her with extra attention and care during this time. The Zoo is continuing to work with the Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP) to acquire an additional elephant to be a companion for Ellen. Flowers and other memorials from members of the public will be placed at the elephant exhibit in memory of Mary and donations can be made to the International Elephant Foundation, a non-profit supporting elephant conservation. Donations in honor of Mary can be made at www.elephantconservation.org or by check at IEF, P.O. Box 366, Azle, TX 76098. Mary has lived at the Little Rock Zoo since 2001 when she was acquired by the Zoo from the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida. Mary was born in Myanmar and was one of Gunter Gebel-Williams’ original elephants performing in the Circus Williams-Althoff in Germany for several years until she was acquired by Ringling Bros.-Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1968. Mary was a part of the Ringling Bros. circus for several years before retiring to the Ringling Bros. conservation center. Ringling then generously donated Mary to the Zoo. The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.