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Kashin the elephant - Source: ONE News -
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Kashin the elephant, one of Auckland Zoo's oldest and most recognisable residents, has died.
The beloved Asian elephant was put down on Monday afternoon after vets noticed a marked deterioration in her health over the weekend.
Kashin came to Auckland Zoo from Thailand at the age of four in 1972 and spent her life there, often being the centre of attention and star attraction.
She has been described on Auckland Zoo's website as the "Queen Mum, the matriarch of the zoo family."
"Zoo staff are devastated, grieving the loss of their incredibly spirited and gentle matriarch," zoo chairman Graeme Mulholland saYS.
"Kashin touched the lives, not just of the zoo family, but thousands of New Zealanders and international visitors who came to know and love her... she will be greatly missed by all."
He says the decision to put the elephant down followed years of chronic arthritis and foot abscesses.
More recently she had developed skin infections over her body that were not healing.
"We have been monitoring her extremely closely over the past few months, and noticed over the weekend that she was depressed and withdrawn. She was not responding to her keepers and her environment the way she normally did, which is unusual. Despite being on pain relief, she was showing signs of being in pain."
Kashin's death was expected to have an impact on the zoo's remaining elephant - 26-year-old Burma - who would be closely monitored as another elephant was sought.
"Our top priority will be to get company for Burma as soon as possible, and in the meantime keepers will be giving Burma all the extra attention that she needs," says Auckland Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken.
She celebrated her 40th birthday late last year .
Auckland Zoo will be closed on Tuesday, to allow staff to mourn the loss.
What are your memories of Kashin the elephant? Share your memories on our message board below:
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentVixx said on 2009-09-26 @ 03:48 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm from the UK and love this program. I googled the zoo and just found out Kashin has sadly passed away. I just burst into tears coz even though I have never been to NZ, I'm an avid viewer and fan of this fab show. The keepers are fantastic and Kashin was one of my favourites. I'm so sad to hear that she's passed away. I would like to send my sincere condolences to the keepers and all who are involved in 'The Zoo'. She'll be sadly missed by many, around the world.
marya said on 2009-09-01 @ 17:07 NZDT: Report abusive post
Kashin will be definitely missed. I remember her as a very young girl, not long after she was named. She was personality plus and a wonderful Auckland ambassador. I'm sure she made many aware of conservation efforts, especially those involving elephants. RIP dear Kashin. Condolances to zoo staff, especially Andrew and those who cared for Kashin and Burma so well. I hope now that Burma is able to cope without her dear friend. Here's hoping a suitable companion for her will be found soon
Avatar777 said on 2009-08-31 @ 20:03 NZDT: Report abusive post
Kashin helped herself to my bag of potato chips when I was 8 years old (am now 27); I ended up giving her the entire bag..! Loved her to bits...!
MyssC said on 2009-08-25 @ 15:52 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm the same age as Burma so i've had Kashin in my life for as long as she has - it was extremely sad and painful to hear this morning that she was gone as she has been a huge part of my growing up. My fondest memories of my late grandfather include Kashin also - i remember being taken along to the Zoo on a family outting and my grandad snapping away with the camera with the beautiful Kashin in shot behind me.
nedsgumboots1 said on 2009-08-24 @ 20:52 NZDT: Report abusive post
I had the pleasure and privilege of giving Kashin a bath in 2006. I will never forget her contented look and gorgeous snuffly noises. The zoo won't be the same without her. Best wishes to all the staff, I'm crying over my memories you must be devastated.