Connie will be greatly missed
We met Connie, a 45-year-old female Asian elephant from Reid Park Zoo, in February 2012 when she arrived at the San Diego Zoo destined for integration into our middle-aged and geriatric elephant herd. We received her medical records six months prior to her transfer and, in discussion with Reid Park Zoo veterinarians, began preparations for her ongoing health care at the Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey (EO). Monitoring her urine on a regular basis was on our agenda as we noted several bouts of urinary tract infections (UTI) over the past few years, a condition not uncommon in middle-aged to geriatric females, animal or human.
Connie seemed to adjust well to her keepers and life at our Elephant Care Center during her quarantine. She learned the touch and smell of the veterinary team. She gently put her trunk up to the mesh at breath level, curious to know who was visiting. Excited to build a good relationship with her, I’d place a few food pellets or produce in her trunk and meet her eyes, hoping she would know that all the things I would do or ask her to do were an effort to keep her healthy in her golden years. As time passed, and with the heightened observation period of quarantine, keepers did notice some of the same things as her Reid Park Zoo keepers that signaled concern for recurrent UTI: urine dribbling and discharge along with changes in attitude and food and water intake. I requested a sample of urine. How to get that, you might wonder? The keepers have a collection cup resting inside a loop of zip-tie on a telescoping pool-cleaning pole that they sneak under the elephant for a mid-stream catch. The samples supported evidence of infection from either the urinary or reproductive system. We treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, and Connie seemed to feel much better over the next 10 days.
As other blogs mentioned, Connie and Shaba moved on to the next stage of EO life: meeting new elephants and exploring new places. Our veterinary minds did not move on quite as quickly; we want to know why medical events occur and place great emphasis on preventing problems. We began discussion for additional procedures and diagnostics to evaluate Connie and initiated regular urine monitoring.
Unfortunately, just two months later, Connie had a marked decrease in appetite and output. Whenever Connie chose not to eat medicine cleverly disguised in all sorts of food items and then chose not to eat or drink much of anything, we moved quickly to investigate.
Our special-needs facility (SNF) was designed to ease diagnostic evaluation and intensive care for our middle-aged to geriatric elephants. How? What is so special there? The elephant restraint device (ERD) has big, wide straps that we can wrap from the axillary (armpits) and inguinal (groin) regions up to steel beams on a hydraulic system that will support the weight of a leaning, weak, or sedated elephant. In addition, the ERD articulates to allow a mesh wall with windows and doors to come close to different parts of the body, giving RVTs (veterinary technicians, aka nurses) and veterinarians a chance to safely examine and access body parts, collect blood samples, place intravenous catheters, administer medications, and provide overall intensive care for a sick elephant.
Test results returned, and we were quite disappointed to learn that Connie was severely leukopenic [leuko=white blood cells; penic=decreased], suggesting that the immune system was fighting disease somewhere in the body. We instituted several antibiotics and transformed the SNF into an ICU unit and initiated more intensive treatment for Connie. After intramuscular injections of medications did not ‘fix’ her abnormal blood results or her overall attitude and appetite, we chose to sedate Connie for placement of IV catheters (back of the ear and inside of the back leg), administration of fluids (120L = 30 gallons for a 3,000 kg patient), and administration of medications both intravenously and into the colon (absorption occurs here as well). Connie was not keeping herself hydrated with her water intake (or electrolytes or nectar or other undercover tactics) nor was she taking in enough food for long-term sustenance, not to mention her lack of interest in taking any foods ‘doctored’ sneakily with medications.
We invited a reproductive and overall elephant specialist to join us in evaluation of her bladder, kidneys, and uterus to uncover any cause for the previously seen thick urinary discharge and/or the work of the immune system to combat her disease process. Unfortunately, we identified another serious problem atop the other ones—a lot of fluid floating in her abdomen. Fluid like this can cause problems with breathing and a full feeling in the belly and can come from some challenging diseases (heart or liver disease, cancer, vasculitis, ulcers), no matter what age or creature. None of the possible explanations suggested a good prognosis for Connie’s health. This examination did not reveal the root cause of her illness, but it confirmed that without intensively supporting her system, she would not survive.
Since her arrival in San Diego, veterinarians, technicians, keepers, and managers have worked extensively with Connie to manage her health concerns. We saw improvements, but this time the response was not the same. Over the last couple of weeks, her condition continued to deteriorate and severely affect her quality of life. She was drinking about 1.5 gallons of water when she needs 75 gallons daily to live. Connie’s immune and organ systems simply were not keeping up with her disease. This morning, we made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize her when it became apparent that Connie would be unable to sustain herself. We know many of you will share in our loss as we say goodbye to Connie and hope that you know she will be greatly missed.
Tracy L. Clippinger is a senior veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo.
I am so sorry to hear this. I know it is never easy to make a decision like this even when it is in the best interest of the animal. May she rest in peace in ele heaven now. God Bless Connie.
so sad to read this,but you did all you could. Just last week, my vet made almost the same diagnosis it sounds like connies, on my older cairn dog. He said her white cells were through the roof and her liver was not functioning. I too, am afraid of having to make that heart wrenching call.
You do a great job with all the ellies all the time! Can’t wait to see more of the new baby!
I am so sorry for your loss. Has Shaba made any friends yet? She is going to need some extra attention but I am sure you all are up to the task.
Moderator’s note: Both Connie and Shaba had begun getting to know the other elephants at Elephant Odyssey, and that process is continuing for Shaba. Rest assured the Elephant Team is keeping an eye on Shaba as she makes this transition.
Had Connie and Shaba been together physically since their move from Tucson, or had they been separated into African vs Asian herds at Elephant Odyssey? I am not familiar with the exhibit and do not know if these elephants are separated or are allowed to engage in inter-species mingling.
Moderator’s note: They had been kept together.
Thank you for all your effort in taking care of Connie. We love her here in Tucson. She is and will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Connie, for SD, Reid Park, and most of all, Shaba. I follow all the ellies and extend my sympathies. Thank you for all the detailed information. The world learns from all your hard work and love.
So sorry to hear she has passed. She was always a favorite to visit here at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, and was sad to see her go. Here is a photo of her in happier times: http://i45.tinypic.com/nqdbvm.jpg
Thank you for the great picture of Connie! Thank you to all at SD Zoo caring for Connie. We miss her, too.
Tucson loved Connie and thank you for your care and compassion. My hope is Shaba will thrive under your care, it’s never easy losing a friend.
I am SO sad to hear of Connie’s passing. My family had enjoyed visiting her for years here in Tucson & were sad that she left us. But knowing that she has been taken care of in such a loving manner has really helped with our loss.
Thank you for keeping us all up to date with this blog- we’ve been following “our” elephant’s progress closely & were excited that they were making progress. Please know that Connie & Shaba’s Tucson family really appreciates all that you’re doing for them in the twilight of their lives.
We will definitely miss our ever-swaying friend.
When I moved to Tucson in 2003 I was especially pleased that I had an elephant namesake at Reid Park Zoo. I love elephants, and several years bought a private behind-the-scenes elephant and rhino tour at a zoo fundraiser auction. What a treat it was to hand-feed Shaba and to watch Connie from the area normally reserved for the keepers! Though I love our zoo’s new African family, I was sad to see Connie and Shaba go. Today I’m sadder than ever to learn of the loss of Tucson’s old girl. Thank you, San Diego Zoo, for doing your best to help her and for making the painful decision to let her go. Please take good care of Shaba, who most certainly will be a bit lost without her dear friend!
It is only my opinion, but i believe that this could have been prevented if there had been closer observation of considering the fact that her move to the zoo was probably so stressful that she should have been monitored before she started to decline her food and water.
she will sadly be missed by her companion who has lived with her for 30 yrs. i am anxious to hear how this will affect her. she should be monitored for depression and watched for signs of refusing her food and water.
Moderator’s note: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Connie and Shaba were both watched carefully by a team of keepers and veterinarians. Connie was thoroughly examined several times and received ongoing veterinary attention, but unfortunately her illness caused a rapid decline in her health that she could not overcome. Keepers are watching Shaba closely and will resume her introductions with the other elephants.
My thoughts are with Shaba, the keepers & entire San Diego Zoo staff as you mourn the loss of Connie. She will be missed, but at least she isn’t in pain anymore.
Thank you for your detailed report. I can read the tenderness and sadness in the final report of our Connie.
Nothing has been said about her companion, Shaba, being able to grieve over partner’s body. She needs to caress her and say goodbye. This is mandatory that this be encouraged.
Moderator’s note: Rest assured that Shaba was immediately given an opportunity to say goodbye to Connie. She spent about 20 minutes going back and forth between keepers and Connie before she walked away on her own.
I am so sorry to hear of Connie’s passing, she was a beloved member of our Tucson Zoo for many years
They should have just left these two life long companons alone
My heartfelt thoughts and and condolences go out to all over the sad loss of beloved Connie. I am sure some degree of comfort will be found in the expert and compassionate care that she received while at both the Tucson and San Diego Zoos. Also may Shaba be able to reconcile this great loss of her soul mate and soon get on with her life. Please keep us updated about her progress.
Thank you, San Diego Zoo staff, for loving and caring for Connie and Shaba. I love and miss them, and I’m glad Connie was in such a caring place in her final days. I’m glad to hear that Shaba is making good progress in her new home.
I offer my sincere condolences to all the Elephant care staff and veterinarians who works so hard to insure the health and well being of the animals in theri care. I know that everything that could be done, was done, and that cost and time are never a consideration.
Thank you all for the love and care you give our Elephants, and I know we have the best Zoo Keepers and Veterinarians in the world.
so sad to hear about Connie. she was in good hands until the end. sorry to see another elephant die. thanks for your wonderful care. she touched so many lives.
I was so sorry to hear the sad news. Thank you so much for posting such a detail report on Connie’s health and also how Shaba is doing. My sincere condolences to you all.
To all of Connie’s care givers and keepers, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you did all you could to comfort her and that it was a heart wrinching decision. Connie was so very sweet and quickly became one of my favorites with her wonderful “dancing”. She will be missed.
Thank you for the loving care you provided to Connie, and continue to provide to all the elephants at Elephant Odyssey. I’m very sorry for your loss.
You provided stellar care for an amazing animal and recognized that her quality of life was the overriding concern.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Thank you for all your hard work, there are a lot of skeptics in Tucson az about the decision to send Connie to eo but I think it was the best thing for her. Rip Connie… How’s sheba w the loss of her friend???
Moderator’s Note: Thanks for the kind words. Read keeper Nora’s update on Shaba – http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/2012/07/20/shabas-next-step/
It is so hard to lose a Friend–be they young or old. So hard to make the decision to let them go in Peace. My heart goes out to you-her devoted keepers and friends. And even though you know it was the best decision for Connie I know it broke your hearts just the same. I know it was your empathy for Shaba that allowed her to say goodbye and it is your love for her that will help her go on and make new friends and eventually be happy again. You do your best and you have the best facility in the world for these gentle pachyderms–Bless you for all you do and Bless Connie and Shaba.
Blessed Be, judy jo
How very sad. San Diego Zoo takes very good care of all their Animals. As a long time supporter I am confident you did everything possible to give Connie a good life. Very sorry for her loss. She will be missed.
I am sorry to hear that sweet Connie has died. She spent her last months in the company of her best friend Sheba who was a wonderful companion. I am very thankful that Connie was given the best possible health care at the Elephant Odyssey. May she rest in peace.
Thank you for sharing the efforts of both Connie and the accomplished support staff and technical system involved in her health care. It sounds like she could not have been in a better place when she became so ill. With elephants it is additionally a very emotional situation since there is an obvious bond with their own special friends as well as the connection with the humans who care for them and even those who admire them from a distance. It sounds like Shaba was given the time to understand the situation and honor the passing of her long time friend, much the way the same event is marked in the wild. She may have already known that Connie was very sick and that there was a big change. How fortunate that Shaba is in a place where there are others of her kind for support rather than to be all alone with her grief. Bless you Connie, and healing thoughts for those who have known you.
I read this with tears in my eyes, not only for Connie and all that she went through, but especially for those of you who tried so hard to save her. I truly admire the hard work you put into caring for these lovely creatures. I know it is not easy losing one of them — my thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
That’s terrible! My condolences to everyone else who misses Connie – her keepers both in San Diego and Arizona, Shaba, her newer friends at EO, everyone.
I am sorry for the loss of Connie and her health issues. RIP. I wonder if her illness was only discovered at SDZoo and unknown to her keepers at Reid Park Zoo?
Moderator’s note: Our colleagues in Tucson treated similar infections when Connie was there. Unfortunately, the postmortem exams shows that no treatment would have cured the root cause of the infections, an aggressive cancer that is difficult to detect in living elephants.
Good bye Connie… my childhood friend. You will be both remembered and missed by those of us in Tucson.