LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock Zoo's beloved 56-year-old elephant Sophie passed away on October 28.
Earlier this year, she was placed in hospice care after suffering complications from a chronic pyometra disease.
She was diagnosed with pyometra over seven years ago, a non-operable and incurable condition that most elephants survive less than a year with.
However, thanks to zoo staff who worked to manage the progression of the disease and provide Sophie with special care, she defied all odds and powered through.
As the disease progressed, two full-time veterinarians remained on call to assist and treat Sophie with pain medications and antibiotics.
She was placed to rest through humane euthanasia, and the zoo will be closed to guests for the day as a necropsy takes place.
The zoo stated, "Sophie holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Arkansans and will be deeply missed by Zoo staff and by the community as a whole."
A collective donation will be made in Sophie's honor to Asian Elephant Support, a non-profit dedicated to supporting the care and conservation of Asian Elephants throughout their natural range.
You can donate to Sophie's memory at the Arkansas Zoological Foundation.
