sad news from the Memphis Zoo :(

Zoo's Joy Turns to Sorrow After Incident
It is with tremendous sadness that the Memphis Zoo announces that the newborn elephant calf has died. The calf stumbled while walking through the exhibit shortly before 10:00am Wednesday morning.



Asali was trying to assist the calf back to its feet when she accidentally injured the newborn with her tusk. Zoo keepers began to work immediately to separate Asali from the calf. They then began to perform first aid, and along with the Zoo’s veterinary staff, transported the calf to the Zoo hospital. Sadly, the injuries were too severe, and the calf expired at around 11:10am.



Zoo veterinarians and keepers are caring for Asali during this difficult time. She will remain off exhibit until a later date.



“Everyone here at the Memphis Zoo is deeply saddened by this turn of events,” said Dr. Chuck Brady, the Memphis Zoo’s president. “We mourn this loss along side Asali.”



The pregnancy was a result of the Zoo’s continued participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) plans to grow the captive population of elephants. This plan, known as the Species Survival Plan, outlines the management and development of healthy elephant herds in U.S. zoos.