スミソニアン国立動物園のインスタグラム(smithsonianzoo) - 6月27日 22時02分

Shanthi, an amazing ambassador for Asian elephants and beloved member of our Zoo family, was humanely euthanized yesterday. She was believed to be 45 years old. As one of the world’s most studied elephants, her contributions to research and medicine during her 44-year-long residency with us have made an indelible mark on our efforts to save her wild counterparts from extinction and improve the lives of elephants under human care. We love and miss Shanthi dearly. Learn more: https://s.si.edu/2NzuVSV. (Link in bio.) . . .
For decades, animal care staff managed and treated Shanthi’s osteoarthritis with multi-modal therapies. While arthritis does not have a cure, animal care staff implemented innovative ways to control Shanthi’s condition, ease her discomfort and improve her overall quality of life. Over the past several weeks, keepers noted the level of pain and discomfort Shanthi experienced appeared to significantly increase. She frequently interrupted her walks to rest, took multiple breaks during routine pedicures, could not get comfortable to sleep at night and sometimes winced when taking a step. Animal care staff were concerned that Shanthi did not have the energy or ability to move about as much as the other elephants, which led her to spend less time with them. Because she chose not to lie down or enter the pools to relieve the pressure on her joints, keepers provided her with sand-piles, tractor tires and large logs to lean against for support. Given Shanthi’s declining quality of life and poor long-term prognosis, animal care staff made the decision to humanely euthanize her.
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The elephant care team fondly remembers Shanthi as a social and confident elephant, yet one who made caretakers earn her respect and friendship. In particular, she seemed to relish in a husbandry training session or enrichment items that challenged her to think and problem solve. They recall her as a dedicated and caring mother to her two calves, Kumari and Kandula. Over the years, generations of staff and visitors have come to know and love Shanthi and, by extension, Asian elephants. Her legacy is truly an extraordinary one, and we are grateful to have known her.

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