'World's Saddest Elephant' Flavia of Indian Origin Dies after Spending 43 Agonising Years Alone in Spanish Zoo
The elephant came to be known as the 'saddest in the world' as she lived in solitary confinement for a long time.
A female Indian elephant known as the 'saddest in the world' has died last week. After living lonely for 43 years, the Asian elephant, named Flavia died at Cordoba Zoo in southern Spain. The 47-year-old animal's physical health has been deteriorating for the past six months. Flavia came to be known as the 'saddest in the world' as she lived in solitary confinement for a long time.
The zoo had been working with animal rights group PACMA to move the elephant to a sanctuary where they hoped she would revive. Flavia was also believed to be suffering from depression. Cordoba Zoo announced her death "with great sadness" on Friday. Granny Dakshayani, India's Oldest Elephant in Captivity Passes Away in Kerala at 88.
Amparo Pernichi, the councillor in charge of environmental issues at a press conference at Cordoba city hall described the elephant as an "icon" for the city. She said that the animal's death comes as sad news particularly for those who looked after her. During her last few days, Flavia couldn't stand up and remained terribly sick. Eventually, she had to be put down.
Check out Flavia's pictures during her growing up years:
PACMA president, Silvia Barquero said, "During all those years she has been alone and captive in the zoo of Cordoba. We hope that no animal will go through this again." The organisation called for no more animals to arrive at the zoo and also those already in captivity not to be allowed to reproduce. Elephants are social animals and often develop strong bonds within the family. They can live up to 70 years in the wild.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 06, 2019 04:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).