Zoo’s 50-year-old elephant has died
M’Dunda was considered elderly but had shown no recent signs of illness
M’Dunda, a 50-year- old African elephant that has lived at the Oakland Zoo for 26 years, has died.
On Tuesday, zookeepers discovered the elephant collapsed in the compound and rushed to her side after clearing other elephants away. Zoo veterinarians soon realized they were too late — M’Dunda was already dead.
The body was transported to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine for a necropsy and testing to determine the specific cause of death. The elephant, despite her advanced age, had appeared healthy.
Oakland Zoo elephants’ daily examinations and treatments by animal keepers include elephant pedicures and biweekly exams by zoo veterinarians. The elephants are examined for foot issues, vitals are checked and blood tests are done. Zoo officials said M’Dunda had shown no signs of existing medical issues.
At 50, M’Dunda was the third- oldest elephant living in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ institution. The average median life- span of African elephants in captivity is 17 years.
M’Dunda came to Oakland Zoo in 1993 from the San Diego Zoo and quickly built a reputation for her kind and gentle demeanor, officials said. She communicated with her herd mates and keepers by rumbling and often was observed trunk twirling — a sign of affection and intimacy — with Osh, the male of the herd.
“M’Dunda has been part of our Oakland Zoo family for 26 years,” said Dr. Joel Parrot, the zoo’s president and CEO. “She was such a gentle being and closely bonded with her keepers. We’ll miss her greatly.”