'Saddest elephant in the world' dies after living alone for 43 years and suffering deep depression in Spanish Zoo
A female elephant at Spain's Cordoba Zoo known as the "saddest elephant in the world" passed away on March 1 after living 43 years in solitary confinement and suffering severe physical deterioration over the past six months.
Flavia had been the poster girl for multiple campaigns against keeping elephants in captivity. Having been separated from her herd at the tender age of three, the 47-year-old was suffering from deep depression after living a life in captivity in Cordoba Zoo. Flavia died on Friday after months of deteriorating health that saw her lose a lot of weight, The Local reports.
The Indian elephant reportedly collapsed in her enclosure and was unable to get to her feet after which authorities decided to put her down. On March 1, zoo officials announced her death by euthanasia "with great sadness" and said that her carers were heartbroken by the loss.