SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Zoo had to euthanize one of its most beloved and
oldest residents, a 47-year-old Asian elephant named Sujatha, officials said Wednesday.
Sujatha was euthanized Tuesday in her enclosure, surrounded by caretakers.
Zoo Chief Executive Rich Block said in a video posted on Twitter that Sujatha’s death was
“perhaps the most difficult moment” in his 20 years at the facility.
“And I know for the people that care for the elephants this may be the toughest moment in
their entire career,
” Block said. “There is no way to describe the sadness that is felt.”
Sujatha had been in declining health for the last few years, but lived comfortably with
treatment, Block said. Her well-being had declined precipitously in recent weeks and she
stopped responding to treatment, he said.
Sujatha and her female companion, Little Mac, arrived at the zoo from India in 1972 when
they were only 11/2 years old, and they’d lived together ever since.
After Sujatha was euthanized, zoo officials allowed Little Mac to visit her in hopes of helping
the grieving process.
Zoo officials said that elephants are known to grieve for their companions and that if Little
Mac is too distressed about losing her best friend or would like to be around other elephants,
she could be moved to another facility.
“From 1972 until last night, they were together,
” Block said. “Best friends is probably a
good way to categorize it. These were two remarkable animals.”
Block praised Sujatha and Little Mac for being “ambassadors for Asian elephants in Santa
Barbara for 46 years.”
“Children who rst
met them in the 1970s have brought their own children, and some even
their grandchildren, to meet these wonderful creatures,
” Block said in a statement. “We
are grateful to Sujatha and Little Mac for how they have enriched all our lives.”
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