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'''Mona''' (born around [[1947]] - euthanized [[June 21]], [[2007]]) was a 7,800 pound Asian elephant (''Elephas maximus'') on exhibit at the [[Birmingham Zoo]]. She was captured in the wild in [[1951]] and housed in Miami for about two years before debuting in Birmingham on [[July 4]], [[1955]], the year the Zoo reopened at [[Lane Park]]. Reaching the age of 60, she was | '''Mona''' (born around [[1947]] - euthanized [[June 21]], [[2007]]) was a 7,800 pound Asian elephant (''Elephas maximus'') on exhibit at the [[Birmingham Zoo]]. She was captured in the wild in [[1951]] and housed in Miami for about two years before debuting in Birmingham on [[July 4]], [[1955]], the year the Zoo reopened at [[Lane Park]]. Reaching the age of 60, she was one of the oldest Asian elephants in the United States. The average life span of female Asian elephants, both wild and in captivity, is about 45 years. | ||
During her tenure at the zoo, Mona inhabited a 1,000-square-foot pen with access to two concrete-floored stalls in the zoo's pachyderm building. The effect of concrete floors on captive elephants has been shown to be detrimental, and Mona's feet were badly damaged by the so-called "Zoo-Genic Elephant Foot Disease". Her outdoor enclosure was dirt-floored, but the surface had been packed hard by her continual pacing. | During her tenure at the zoo, Mona inhabited a 1,000-square-foot pen with access to two concrete-floored stalls in the zoo's pachyderm building. The effect of concrete floors on captive elephants has been shown to be detrimental, and Mona's feet were badly damaged by the so-called "Zoo-Genic Elephant Foot Disease". Her outdoor enclosure was dirt-floored, but the surface had been packed hard by her continual pacing. | ||
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Enrichment activities enjoyed by Mona included painting and playing music. Her normal routines were highlighted by special treats of marshmallow Peeps, Altoids and peanuts used as rewards in training. She was also given a large watermelon cake and several toys each year on [[July 7]], which was observed as her birthday and celebrated with a party for zoo visitors. | Enrichment activities enjoyed by Mona included painting and playing music. Her normal routines were highlighted by special treats of marshmallow Peeps, Altoids and peanuts used as rewards in training. She was also given a large watermelon cake and several toys each year on [[July 7]], which was observed as her birthday and celebrated with a party for zoo visitors. | ||
On [[January 31]], [[2005]] Mona's companion of 48 years, [[Susie]], died at the zoo at age 55. | On [[January 31]], [[2005]] Mona's companion of 48 years, [[Susie]], died at the zoo at age 55. Mona's solitary life on exhibit quickly became the focus of a controversy over elephant welfare. "In Defense of Animals", a California-based advocacy group, criticized the zoo for keeping a solitary elephant in a small enclosure. "The Elephant Sanctuary" offered in [[2006]] to relocate Mona without charge to their 2,700-acre facility near Hohenwald, Tennessee where she would have a greater range of natural habitat to explore and the companionship of other elephants. [[Alabama Wildlife Advocates]] actively lobbied for this move, which was rejected by Zoo officials. The group created on online petition and demonstrated outside the zoo during her annual birthday celebration. | ||
Zoo director [[Bill Foster]] argued that the stress caused by travel and resettlement would not be healthy for Mona, and that she should not, at her age, have been subjected to the behavior and pecking order of an unfamiliar herd. He noted that her access to medical care was better at the zoo, and indicated that plans were underway to improve her habitat and potentially add a companion to her exhibit. | Zoo director [[Bill Foster]] argued that the stress caused by travel and resettlement would not be healthy for Mona, and that she should not, at her age, have been subjected to the behavior and pecking order of an unfamiliar herd. He noted that her access to medical care was better at the zoo, and indicated that plans were underway to improve her habitat and potentially add a companion to her exhibit. | ||
On [[June 18]], [[2007]] zoo staff found Mona unable to stand on her own and assisted her with a crane. It was surmised that one of her legs had become numb from her lying on it. She was placed on 24-hour watch and appeared to be in good health and spirits following the incident. Nevertheless, two days later she was again found on her side, and indicated that she was unwilling to get to her feet, even with assistance. Zoo veterinarian [[Marie Rush]] | On [[June 18]], [[2007]] zoo staff found Mona unable to stand on her own and assisted her with a crane. It was surmised that one of her legs had become numb from her lying on it. She was placed on 24-hour watch and appeared to be in good health and spirits following the incident. Nevertheless, two days later she was again found on her side, and indicated that she was unwilling to get to her feet, even with assistance. Zoo veterinarian [[Marie Rush]] conferred with other staffers and the decision was made to euthanize. She was pronounced dead at 10:30 AM on June 21, 2007, with a necropsy set to begin the same afternoon. | ||
Mona will be buried in an unmarked grave on zoo grounds. Memorials gifts will be donated to the International Elephant Foundation | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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* Olson, Laura (June 19, 2007) "Mona on mend: Zoo's oldest resident had trouble standing." ''Birmingham News''. | * Olson, Laura (June 19, 2007) "Mona on mend: Zoo's oldest resident had trouble standing." ''Birmingham News''. | ||
* Whitmire, Kyle (June 21, 2007) "[http://bhamweekly.com/blog/2007/06/21/rip-mona-the-elephant/ RIP: Mona the Elephant]" ''Birmingham Weekly''. | * Whitmire, Kyle (June 21, 2007) "[http://bhamweekly.com/blog/2007/06/21/rip-mona-the-elephant/ RIP: Mona the Elephant]" ''Birmingham Weekly''. | ||
* Bryant, Walter (June | * Bryant, Walter (June 22, 2007) "Zoo elephant Mona euthanized." ''Birmingham News''. | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 12:00, 22 June 2007
Mona (born around 1947 - euthanized June 21, 2007) was a 7,800 pound Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) on exhibit at the Birmingham Zoo. She was captured in the wild in 1951 and housed in Miami for about two years before debuting in Birmingham on July 4, 1955, the year the Zoo reopened at Lane Park. Reaching the age of 60, she was one of the oldest Asian elephants in the United States. The average life span of female Asian elephants, both wild and in captivity, is about 45 years.
During her tenure at the zoo, Mona inhabited a 1,000-square-foot pen with access to two concrete-floored stalls in the zoo's pachyderm building. The effect of concrete floors on captive elephants has been shown to be detrimental, and Mona's feet were badly damaged by the so-called "Zoo-Genic Elephant Foot Disease". Her outdoor enclosure was dirt-floored, but the surface had been packed hard by her continual pacing.
Enrichment activities enjoyed by Mona included painting and playing music. Her normal routines were highlighted by special treats of marshmallow Peeps, Altoids and peanuts used as rewards in training. She was also given a large watermelon cake and several toys each year on July 7, which was observed as her birthday and celebrated with a party for zoo visitors.
On January 31, 2005 Mona's companion of 48 years, Susie, died at the zoo at age 55. Mona's solitary life on exhibit quickly became the focus of a controversy over elephant welfare. "In Defense of Animals", a California-based advocacy group, criticized the zoo for keeping a solitary elephant in a small enclosure. "The Elephant Sanctuary" offered in 2006 to relocate Mona without charge to their 2,700-acre facility near Hohenwald, Tennessee where she would have a greater range of natural habitat to explore and the companionship of other elephants. Alabama Wildlife Advocates actively lobbied for this move, which was rejected by Zoo officials. The group created on online petition and demonstrated outside the zoo during her annual birthday celebration.
Zoo director Bill Foster argued that the stress caused by travel and resettlement would not be healthy for Mona, and that she should not, at her age, have been subjected to the behavior and pecking order of an unfamiliar herd. He noted that her access to medical care was better at the zoo, and indicated that plans were underway to improve her habitat and potentially add a companion to her exhibit.
On June 18, 2007 zoo staff found Mona unable to stand on her own and assisted her with a crane. It was surmised that one of her legs had become numb from her lying on it. She was placed on 24-hour watch and appeared to be in good health and spirits following the incident. Nevertheless, two days later she was again found on her side, and indicated that she was unwilling to get to her feet, even with assistance. Zoo veterinarian Marie Rush conferred with other staffers and the decision was made to euthanize. She was pronounced dead at 10:30 AM on June 21, 2007, with a necropsy set to begin the same afternoon.
Mona will be buried in an unmarked grave on zoo grounds. Memorials gifts will be donated to the International Elephant Foundation
References
- Plott, Bill. (July 3, 2005). "Zoo's one elephant has party, protests". Birmingham News.
- Olson, Laura (June 19, 2007) "Mona on mend: Zoo's oldest resident had trouble standing." Birmingham News.
- Whitmire, Kyle (June 21, 2007) "RIP: Mona the Elephant" Birmingham Weekly.
- Bryant, Walter (June 22, 2007) "Zoo elephant Mona euthanized." Birmingham News.
External links
- Photo of Mona at Flickr.com
- Birmingham Zoo website
- Mona Campaign at alabamawildlifeadvocates.org
- Free Mona to the Elephant Sanctuary, a weblog