Riverbanks Zoo Announces Death of Female African Elephant

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has announced the death of one of its female African elephants.

 Zoo officials say the 37 year old Elephant, named Penny,  was humanely euthanized on Thursday, May 4 after she fell on exhibit and was unable to stand.

 According to Zoo officials, Penny had been at Riverbanks since December of 2001.

The Median Life Expectancy of female African elephants in AZA managed populations is 38.4 years. Riverbanks is home to two other female African elephants. Robin is 47-years-old and Belle is 35.5 years-old, according to Riverbanks Zoo officials.

 You may remember back in December of last year, the Zoo lost another elephant , 44-year-old Petunia, because of deteriorating health.

“Penny is loved dearly, and she will be deeply missed especially by our devoted animal care staff,” said Satch Krantz, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “As one of our animal ambassadors for wildlife conservation, Penny helped to educate nearly 16-million guests since arriving at the Zoo more than 15 years ago.”

Riverbanks is now awaiting the results of a necropsy. Final results usually take six to eight weeks, say officials.