TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Topeka Zoo officials say a 58-year-old elephant was euthanized after she couldnt get up for the second time this week.
Topeka spokeswoman Molly Hadfield says the elephant, Sunda, was euthanized Wednesday morning because of her deteriorating health and quality of life.
The Topeka Capita-Journal reports Sunda lived at the zoo for 52 years, longer than any other animal there.
On Monday, Topeka firefighters helped lift Sunda to her feet after she was unable to get up on her own. She was unable to stand again Wednesday morning.
Her health problems included a sore behind her ear that wouldnt heal, kidney issues and a mass in her reproductive system.
Hadfield says the median lifespan for elephants is about 46.9 years.
