Keepers at Scotland’s only safari park were in tears over news that their 46-year-old elephant Toto had been put to sleep after collapsing in her pen.
One staffer paid tribute to “a magnificent and beautiful sentient being”, which was in captivity as a result of the death of its mother at the hands of illegal hunters.
Vets at Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling, made the difficult decision to euthanase the huge African land mammal to end her pain.
The much-loved elephant came to Blair Drummond in 1997 after she had “struggled to settle” at Basel Zoo in Switzerland.
She developed a companionship with another elephant, Mondula, known as Mondy, who came to the park the same year and proved to be a firm favourite with visitors for her reputation as a gentle giant.
A post-mortem examination was carried out to confirm Toto’s cause of death, although a park spokesman said the animal had endured “underlying health problems”.
In an emotional announcement on its Facebook page, the park said “We are saddened to announce that our elephant Toto had to be put to sleep this morning after she collapsed in her pen.
“Staff tried to get her back on to her feet but with no success and sadly after the park veterinarians’ thorough examination a difficult decision was made to euthanase Toto to avoid continued stress and suffering.
The announcement continued: “Over the years our elephant team have worked tirelessly, improving the welfare standards of our elephants, ensuring they receive the best daily care particularly during the later stages of their lives. Her keepers are devastated but they all understand that this was the last option and necessary and most humane course of action to take.”
Toto was rescued from the wild, where her mother was killed by ivory poachers, and spent 15 years at Munster Zoo, Germany, before moving to Basel then Blair Drummond, where she settled.
A turning point for Toto was in 2013 after the construction of a new elephant house, which allowed the elephants 24-hour access to their enclosure. Keepers saw her grow in confidence, making use of the mud wallow and mounds.