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Auckland Zoo elephant Kashin euthanased

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Auckland Zoo elephant Kashin euthanased

3News NZ

Auckland Zoo will be closed tomorrow as staff grieve the loss of 40-year-old elephant, Kashin, who died today.

The female elephant, who has been at the zoo for 36 years, was euthanased after losing her battle with chronic health conditions.

"Zoo staff are devastated, grieving the loss of their incredibly spirited and gentle matriarch," zoo chairman Graeme Mulholland said.

"Kashin touched the lives, not just of the zoo family, but thousands of New Zealanders and international visitors who came to know and love her... she will be greatly missed by all."

He said the decision to put the elephant down followed years of chronic arthritis and foot abscesses.

More recently she had developed skin infections over her body that were not healing.

Kashin's death was expected to have an impact on the zoo's remaining elephant -- 26-year-old Burma -- who would be closely monitored as another elephant was sought.

The zoo will re-open on Wednesday.

NZPA
 

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Comments

30/08/2009 6:57:49 p.m.

Jessica Pilkington wrote:

I am so sad kashin died abig byby from me and my friends
by kashin R.I.P nice kashin love you for ever kashin by


By Jessica Pilkington

29/08/2009 10:29:54 p.m.

Hannah wrote:

I am so sad that Kashin died and if I could I would help the zoo find a friend for Burma because I bet Burma will be very sad even though he might not show that he's sad. I know how it feels when someone or something dies,because my dog did die but he was very old,he was 95!!! I hope someone finds a friend for Burma. Oh and I would love to be a zoo keeper when i'm older because I think it will be a brilliant job,and if I do get that job I would always look after the animals and take good care of them.and I acutally saw Kashin when it was her 40th birthday. I saw her paint and she could do all sorts of things! I thought she was so clever! Try not to be sad and I miss kashin a lot... oh and I am a animal lover so don't ask why I would like to be a zoo keeper when i'm older! Have a good day every one and Kashin even though you aren't here at the moment but you are always here in our hearts and so is Burma.

28/08/2009 3:47:32 p.m.

Room 10 Balclutha School wrote:

We are sorry about Kashin the elephant. We met Jumbo when she came to Balclutha. Do you think Jumbo would be a good friend for Burma? We know Jumbo needs a home.

27/08/2009 6:40:02 a.m.

bailey wrote:

oh sad kashin has dided he was so cool and cute so were to

26/08/2009 4:50:17 p.m.

zahrah wrote:

i love kashin the elephant.i miss you kashin

25/08/2009 6:18:00 p.m.

Paul wrote:

After watching the news tonight, I thought about the other elphant that is with the circus somewhere in NZ. They want to get rid of it. Why can't it go to the zoo even if only temp to keep Burma company?

24/08/2009 8:46:14 p.m.

Liz wrote:

Sorry you couldn't find an actual picture of Kashin... but you couldn't even find the correct kind of elephant - the "file" photo is of an African elephant and Kashin was an Asian elephant...