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Kashin farewelled by more than 18,000 people at Auckland Zoo

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Rain showers could not keep away more than 18,000 people wanting to remember Kashin – the matriarch of the zoo

Rain showers could not keep away more than 18,000 people wanting to remember Kashin – the matriarch of the zoo

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Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:00a.m.
By Jesse Peach

Kashin the elephant died on Monday but she pulled her biggest crowd ever today.

In fact the special free-entry memorial to the celebrity elephant set a new record for the Auckland Zoo.

Rain showers could not keep away more than 18,000 people wanting to remember Kashin – the matriarch of the zoo.

At 40-years-old, the elephant suffered painful arthritis, foot abcesses and skin infections.

On Monday, when the pain became too great, she had to be put down.

Memorial activities included interactive message boards, performances, face-painting and drawing. All things that would have given Kashin – a painter herself – an elephant smile.

She was brought inform Thailand as a four-year-old in 1972, a gentle giant famous for her love of food and water – and her ease with children.

She was joined by companion Burma in 1990.

Both became accomplished elephant artists – they even had exhibitions.

Now, Burma is grieving too.

The zoo is working with conservation officials to find Burma a new female companion from the European breeding programme.

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Comments [8]

norah
16 Aug 2010 4:03a.m.

I was never at the zoo as i live in Scotland and can't afford to go there. But i have been watching the zoo program on sky for the past few months. And i didn't know that she had past way. She was a brill elephant. She is now no-longer in pain. Rest in peace Kashin.

kashin fan
02 Sep 2009 3:11p.m.

re nikki; the elephants 'family' welcomed 18,000 people to attend wheres as i dont think a woman/childs family (of domestic violance) would want the same attention.get a grip!
Its not the same :-( as for dave??? yes it might of made it possible for some families to go that otherwise wouldnt be able to afford it,so what!

larissa rose van der hoeff
31 Aug 2009 5:02p.m.

heyhey lol
i love you so much in ur life
in my world

Mary
31 Aug 2009 1:33p.m.

To posters Nicki and Dave. Kashin was a well known and much loved icon in Auckland and gave pleasure and a lot of love to many. This is the reason why so many people turned out to pay their respects to her. They weren't freeloaders at all, as Dave suggests, judging by the many who attended on Sunday. Many were children who loved Kashin. And Nicki those women who are maimed or killed through domestic abuse, are probably not known by 18,000 people! Get a life you two and accept that a very popular, lovely, gentle creature has passed on and Sunday was a day when those who remembered and loved her, could visit her final resting place. RIP dear Kashin.

Debs
31 Aug 2009 12:34p.m.

I was saddened to hear the news of Kashin's. I was at primary when I first met Kashin on a School trip years back. I am now 47 years old.I have already taken my children and grandchildren prior to Kashins death. To every staff worker at the Auckland Zoo I feel your loss. R I P Kashin. Dave you must be a lonely man if thats all you have to say !

mark
30 Aug 2009 11:28p.m.

To read that 18,000 people attended Auckland zoo to remember Kashin fetched tears to my eyes,we are from the uk and we visited nz last year inc Auckland zoo with a view to making the move,after seeing the beautiful country and most importantly meeting the wonderful people we will be there soon to start our new lives with a nation of people that seem to care for everyone and everything around them,cant wait to be with you all.....RIP....Kashin

Nicki
30 Aug 2009 8:59p.m.

18.000 people will turn up to farewell an elephant. I would like to see the same amount at a funeral when a woman or child is killed as a result of domestic violence.

dave
30 Aug 2009 8:37p.m.

18000 freeloaders..

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