WNAM MONITORING: Sakura, the oldest elephant in Korea, died, Tuesday, at the age of 59, equivalent to over 90 in human years.
The elephant died from health complications related to old age, according to Seoul Grand Park, Thursday.
Born in 1965 in Thailand, Sakura was sent to Japan just seven months after her birth. In Japan, she became part of a circus team at Takarazuka Family Land.
However, the amusement park where Sakura stayed faced financial difficulties, leading to its closure in 2003. In May of that year, she found a new home at Seoul Grand Park.
Sakura also become a topic of non-fiction for children, capturing attention as a symbolic bridge between Korea and Japan.
Upon her arrival in Korea, Sakura lived a solitary life even though she was female. In natural settings, elephants form groups led by female leaders, while seclusion is more characteristic of male elephants who become independent after growing up.
This was because Sakura spent her early years in a circus troupe, and was not accustomed to living together with other elephants.
Recognizing the importance of social integration, keepers initiated continuous training for joint living in 2018. She had been living in a group with three other elephants until recently.
In April 2019, Sakura’s toenails became inflamed. Later in November last year, she underwent intensive treatment for an abrupt onset of excess abdominal fluid and exacerbated subcutaneous edema in the genitals.
Despite a temporary improvement, her condition sharply declined last month. Zookeepers focused on revitalizing her appetite, providing bamboo and fruit, but Sakura passed away as her health condition worsened again.
Seoul Grand Park continues to care for the three elephants that lived with Sakura, aiming to minimize any shock and support their return to their daily life.
“As the oldest elephant in Korea, she brought hope to visitors. We will remember Sakura, who actively participated in training and treatment despite enduring pain,” said the elephant keepers at Seoul Grand Park.
