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A memorial at Auckland Zoo for Kashin - Source: ONE News -
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Auckland Zoo closed on Tuesday following the death of iconic
elephant Kashin who had lived there for 36 years.
Zoo keepers are mourning the loss of Kashin, remembered as a
spirited member of the zoo family.
The elephant was put to sleep on Monday night, after losing her battle with chronic health conditions.
In recent years, she had suffered from chronic arthritis and foot abscesses, and of late, she had developed skin infections that would not heal.
Zoo staff say the decision to euthanise Kashin was made after her physical health and emotional state deteriorated at the weekend.
"She was very depressed and withdrawn. Her eyes were glazed," says zoo vet Richard Jakob-Hoff.
"It was upsetting, yet at the same time a great release."
Zoo director Jonathan Wickens says the impact of Kashin's death has been devastating.
Tributes paid
Aucklanders have been dropping by the zoo to pay their respects and leave floral tributes.
Most say they are very upset.
"I think we've all grown up with her," says one woman.
The zoo's former director, Stephen Standley, says Kashin was an iconic animal.
"I mean she's one of the few that just about anyone in New Zealand would know the name of."
Auckland mayor John Banks says he visited Kashin just last week, and it was clear even then that her days were numbered.
He says there was time for everyone to say goodbye, and to make sure Kashin was comfortable in her final days. She was buried on Tuesday night.
Banks says the challenge now is to find a companion for Burma, the zoo's last remaining elephant.
The search will soon begin for another elephant.
