Last African elephant in Australia ‘cuddles’ dies

SYDNEY: Australia is mourning the loss of its last African elephant in captivity yesterday, with the death of ‘Cuddles’, a 46-year old elephant at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, China’s Xinhua news agency reported.

Cuddles, which arrived in Australia from Britain in 1977 and was present when the zoo was opened, diedyesterday morning, much to the dismay of everyone who met her.

“We are all mourning the loss of this beautiful animal, who was much loved by staff, volunteers, and visitors alike.” the zoo said.

The almost ancient elephant had been suffering from a number of health conditions, with the ‘ heartbreaking’ call made to euthanise her. — Bernama