For animal lovers; have you seen this news?

Asked by Patty_Melt (17519

) September 8th, 2017

I have just seen an article posted by Henry Doorley Zoo, in Omaha Nebraska.
An elephant passed away there during a routine surgery.
I was amazed to learn what lengths they went through to observe an elephant’s natural grieving process, they actually had a funeral, of sorts, allowing the other elephants to observe the departed and know he was gone. They then made changes in the barn area to allow for individual grieving needs!
I would say zoos have come a long way, and truly, now there are residents, not exhibits.
I have long enjoyed knowing that zoos provide enrichment opportunities, with birthdays, holidays, and such, but this was a new concept for me, and I like it.

What do you think?

Have you heard of any other zoos providing similar special treatment?

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3 Answers

I hadn’t heard of this but sure, I support it 100%. I did know Elephants do grieve over herd members losses, loss of their calves. Anything to make the animals in captivity happier and healthier on all levels, by all means.

Coloma (47193

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I hadn’t heard. That’s very cool. Elephants clearly have a sense of community and form lifelong attachments to each other. I bet that zoo has some good interesting staff. Thanks for sharing!

Zaku (30607

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