Little Rock Zoo officials announced on Monday the passing of Sophie the elephant.
According to zoo officials, Sophie was euthanized after being placed in hospice care due to complications from chronic pyometra disease, a condition she had battled for over seven years. This incurable disease affects the uterus and cannot be treated surgically in elephants. Recently, staff noticed swelling in Sophie’s abdomen, signaling a progression of her condition, and she had also lost muscle mass as she fought the illness.
Zoo staff provided continuous care, monitoring her condition daily, with two veterinarians available to administer her medications.
Sophie, along with her companion Babe, arrived at the Little Rock Zoo in 2013 from Niabi Zoo, after retiring from the circus. Both elephants required specialized geriatric care. At the time of her passing, Sophie was in her mid-50s, having outlived many elephants of her kind in accredited zoos.
In memory of Sophie, donations can be made to the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, with a collective contribution planned for Asian Elephant Support.
The zoo will remain closed on Monday.
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