DENVER ZOO’S ELEPHANT DOLLY NOW IN HOSPICE

Dolly the elephant — a very mellow, quite social and eventempered behemoth — is beloved by Denver Zoo staff.

But, lately, the zoo’s oldest elephant has been feeling her age, estimated to be 52. She has been moved into hospice care, where the focus is on making her final days easy and enjoyable.

“She’s having age-related issues, which are not uncommon,” said Brian Aucone, senior vice president for animal care and conservation at the zoo. “Foot problems, when you’re as large as she is, are exacerbated by the amount of weight you’re carrying on those feet.”

Dolly, who weighs about 7,100 pounds, has arthritis.