39-Year-Old African Elephant Euthanized

DALLAS — A 39-year-old female African elephant at the Dallas Zoo was euthanized Monday afternoon, days after a gastrointestinal problem got worse.

KeKe, who came to Dallas from the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler in 2003, had been ill since the beginning of the month but had grown worse over the last few days. She was receiving around-the-clock care from keepers, and veterinarians consulted with experts around the country, including the Fort Worth Zoo.

However, she lay down Monday morning, and zoo officials were unable to get her back up with a crane and a harness.

"Once we could not get her on her feet, and she was unresponsive, it was obvious her condition had deteriorated," said Sean Greene, director of community relations. "It’s a really sad day for the staff here. I feel safe in saying they put in a heroic effort to save her life."

KeKe had a habit of eating dirt and rocks, and at least once a year would get colic from her unapproved diet. What exactly happened this time, though, they aren’t sure yet.

A necropsy will be performed at the zoo.

"It’s very difficult with an animal so large to do sonograms," Greene said. "You can’t always tell what’s going on internally."

The elephant exhibit will remain closed at least today. The zoo also has another African elephant cow named Jenny.