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Milwaukee County Zoo Euthanizes 45-Year-Old Elephant Brittany After Health Decline

A UW–Madison necropsy will seek the cause of her deterioration, with results expected in several months.

Overview

  • Brittany, 45 and older than the 39.4-year median for female African savanna elephants in human care, was humanely euthanized Friday after staff saw her symptoms worsen.
  • The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine will perform a necropsy, and results could take several months.
  • The Elephant Care Center is closed to visitors through the weekend, the zoo said.
  • Keepers stayed with her while she was anesthetized, and herd mate Belle was allowed to see and smell her to help process the loss.
  • The zoo said this is its second elephant death since September.