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May 02, 2005

Whatever. You Try Living 36 Years Being Called "Wankie"

'Wankie The Elephant' Dies After Transfer

An African elephant originally from the San Diego Zoo was euthanized after she was transferred from Chicago to Salt Lake City, officials said Monday.

Now, animal activists are calling for the resignation of Douglas Myers, the executive director of the Zoological Society of San Diego.

Wankie's health was deteriorating while she was being sent to the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City and officials there euthanized her around 4 a.m. Sunday, Kelly McGrath, spokeswoman for the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago said.

Wankie was 36, which is not considered old for elephants, McGrath said.

Wankie and two other elephants lived at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park for more than 30 years and were transferred to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago in 2003.

Wankie's companions died while in Chicago, and zoo officials decided to transfer the animal to Hogle Zoo so she could be with other elephants.

The head veterinarian at Lincoln Park Zoo and two elephant keepers made the trip with Wankie, who had to lay down during the ride, McGrath said.

"Elephants can't lay down for long periods of time," McGrath said. "That can cause tissue and muscle damage in their legs."

Wankie was put in a sling when she arrived at the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City Saturday night and appeared to be fine, McGrath said.

Several hours later, the elephant was having difficulty breathing and animal keepers decided to euthanize her, McGrath said.

Posted by Mark at May 2, 2005 06:08 AM

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