Australia’s largest animal in captivity, Melbourne Zoo’s elephant Bong Su, has sadly passed away at the age of 40.
Announcing the news in a statement today, Zoos Victoria said the Asian Elephant bull, which had been with the zoo since 1977, was euthanised from issues stemming from its diagnosis of a degenerative joint disease:
Recently his condition had deteriorated to the point where he was given further pain relief treatment, including additional analgesic agents, increased dosage of his anti-inflammatory medication, massage, and laser therapy.
However, this combination of medication and other treatments could no longer keep him comfortable.
Sadly today we said goodbye to bull #elephant Bong Su. You will be missed buddy #valebongsu #melbournezoo More: https://t.co/JV4slwWesp pic.twitter.com/QJBMuZuhz9
— Zoos Victoria (@ZoosVictoria) October 9, 2017
Bong Su first arrived at Melbourne Zoo in 1977 from an elephant camp in Malaysia, a gift from the Sultan of Pahang, and has sired five calves.
Staff of Melbourne Zoo have felt the loss hard, with counselling services being offered to those affected:
Mr. Tanner says that Bong Su has been such a familiar presence for so long, all Zoo staff will be experiencing a great sense of loss.
That especially applies to both the current Keepers at Trail of the Elephants and previous Elephant Keepers now working in other animal sections.
https://twitter.com/BrendanDonohoe7/status/917240046654177281
RIP Bong Su.
