(KMJ) Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo announces the passing of one of its oldest residents, 40-year old Asian Elephant Kara.
Here is a portion of the statement released by Zoo Officials on Thursday:
Due to a rapid decline in health, caused by progressive, chronic mobility issues, Kara was humanely euthanized on Wednesday, June 7, 2017.
“Kara had a history of joint issues that resulted in her development of osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Shannon Nodolf, chief veterinary officer at Fresno Chaffee Zoo. “While this was an extremely difficult decision, after much discussion about Kara’s compromised quality of life, the veterinary and animal care teams unanimously agreed that humane euthanasia was the right thing to do.”
Kara came to Fresno Chaffee Zoo in April 1983 from Cristiani Bros. Circus. She had been receiving care and attention for osteoarthritis issues for an extended period of time.
Zoo veterinary and animal care teams are working with pathologists to conduct a necropsy on Kara. Tissue samples and other parts of her remains will be analyzed for scientific study. These findings will allow Kara’s veterinary and animal care teams to learn more about her health and help other elephants in the future.
Kara shared her exhibit with 46-year-old female Asian elephant, Shaunzi.
