EL PASO, Texas — The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens is grieving the loss of its 71-year-old Asian elephant, Savannah.
Savannah was humanely euthanized “due to a rapid and irreversible decline in her quality of life,” the zoo said.
Savannah had been suffering from advanced arthritis towards the end of her life. Throughout this time, zoo staff used several methods to treat her and reduce pain. These include stem cell therapy, oral pain medications, joint supplements, an injectable joint supplement to help decrease the inflammation and pain of her joints and daily exercise routines to maintain joint mobility. Her left elbow was most affected by the arthritis.
The zoo's veteranarian, Dr. Victoria Milne, expressed her joy in being able to care for Savannah for the last 18 years and noted Savannah's cooperation in her treatments.
“She actively and voluntarily participated in her healthcare, as long as the reward was a tasty enough treat,” Dr. Milne said. “She allowed for regular blood collections, therapy for joints, and took her medication as needed. The whole veterinary team will miss our regular visits and check-ups with her, and pampering. It is never easy to say goodbye to our long-time residents, but we are out of options to keep her comfortable.”
Savannah arrived at the El Paso Zoo in 1997. She was originally brought to the U.S. from India at 2 years old. From 1954 to 1975, she called the Dallas Zoo her home. Beginning in 1975, she spent some time at the Baton Rouge Zoo before heading to El Paso.
The zoo celebrated Savannah’s last birthday in September 2023, which included a giant birthday cake fit for an elephant, singing “Happy Birthday,” and guests signing a large birthday card for her.
Joe Montisano, the zoo's director, called Savannah a "gentle giant with a great spirit."
"She was a great ambassador for her species and our zoo. She enjoyed meeting new people and showing off her harmonica and ‘fetch’ abilities,” Montisano said. “The dedicated zoo staff and veterinarian team did everything in their power to make sure she was comfortable as they managed her end-of-life care. We grieve her loss and are grateful for the many memories she gave us in her decades at the zoo.”
According to A-Z Animals, the average life expectancy of an Asian elephant is 48 years. The zoo says Savannah’s longevity is “a testament to the high quality of whole-life care all animals receive from zookeepers, excellent nutrition, preventive and corrective veterinary care, and a safe environment.”