The Oakland Zoo’s oldest elephant, a 50-year-old female named M’Dunda, collapsed and died this week in her enclosure, zookeepers said. But when staff arrived — including Joel Parrott, Oakland Zoo’s CEO and a veterinarian — it was too late. We’ll miss her greatly.”We are mourning the sudden loss of our eldest elephant, M’Dunda, age 50, who passed away yesterday afternoon. More info at https://t.co/55Lrb8bJWX pic.twitter.com/FdDB7HxlUe — Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) December 4, 2019After arriving at the Oakland Zoo, M’Dunda quickly bonded with zookeepers and fellow elephants, often twirling trunks with Osh, the herd’s lone male. Because of a lack of space to expand their elephant exhibit after changes in AZA standards, the zoo’s elephant program will not continue, Santa Barbara Zoo officials said.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 05, 2019 18:56 UTC