Exotic Incident #1101
Incident Date:
02/04/2008
Location:
San Diego, CA - USA
Facility Name:
San Diego Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Elephants
Animal:
Elephant
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
A 2-month-old baby elephant at the San Diego Zoo was euthanized after struggling since birth. The elephant calf was suffering from an antibiotic-resistant staph infection, which was also reported in three zoo employees. It was unclear whether the elephant or the zoo staff members were the first to present with the infection. Additionally, the baby elephant had suffered from the effects of malnourishment, unable to get enough milk from the mother elephant, or to transition well to drinking formula.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes: