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Kashin the elephant - Source: ONE News -
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More than 18,000 Aucklanders have have turned out to remember the life of Kashin the elephant.
The 40-year-old indian elephant died earlier this week and Auckland Zoo dropped its admission charge on Sunday as a memorial.
Kashin was the zoo's biggest attraction for 36 years in more ways than one and her memorial brought in the biggest crowd ever.
Visitors had an opportunity to visit Kashin's final resting place and pay their respects - the only time the public will be able to access the area.
Her final resting spot is marked by flowers, cards and a few elephant treats.
While the public showed their love for the elephant, keeper Andrew Coers is also missing the gentle giant.
"We will all miss you so much. It's not the same without you."
Coers has spent the past 10 years looking after the elephants.
"We try our best to get people to understand and appreciate wildlife and elephants are so good at it, and Kashin was unique at it."
Coers brought out the zoo's remaining elephant for the crowds to see and zoo staff are hoping Burma won't be by herself for too long. They hope another elephant, or even a herd of elephants, can join her in the Auckland enclosure.
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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.