Elephant From Philly Zoo Dies at 50

An elephant who resided at the Philadelphia Zoo for several decades died earlier this week.

Dulary, an Asian elephant, was found lying down in the barn of Tennessee’s Elephant Sanctuary early Sunday morning. Officials with the sanctuary say there was no indication of any problems with Dulary the night before when caregivers checked in.

Despite immediate care from the zoo’s vet staff and diagnostic testing, Dulary died Monday morning. She was 50 years old. Officials say she had been experiencing some health issues at the beginning of the year.

Born in May of 1963, Dulary moved to the Philadelphia Zoo in 1964, living with both Asian and African elephants. In May of 2007, she was moved to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tenn.

Officials say Dulary befriended two other elephants, Misty and Delhi, once she moved to the sanctuary. Misty stood by Dulary’s side during her final hours.

“In India, 'Dulary' is a term of endearment intended for someone who is an object of great affection and love, and our Dulary will always hold a special place in our hearts,” wrote Dana Lombardo, a spokeswoman with the Philadelphia Zoo. “Strong-willed and self-confident, she was a treasured member of the Philadelphia Zoo community and The Elephant Sanctuary family, and she lived her life to the fullest every day. She will be remembered with joy by all of those whose lives she touched. We are honored to have been a part of her journey.”

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