Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Little Rock Government Little Rock Zoo elephant Ellen dies at 60
Posted by Max Brantley on Tue, Jul 5, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Ellen, the 60-year-old Little Rock Zoo elephant, died this morning, a city official tells us. That explains the earlier news of an unexplained closure of the zoo this morning. Two elephants had arrived only recently as companions for Ellen, left alone by the death of her long-time companion Mary.
UPDATE: A Zoo news release (see jump) says a stroke or heart attack is believed to be the cause of death. Pictures from Ellen's 57-year life at the Zoo can be seen at the zoo website.
I asked if the zoo vet thought the introduction of new companions could have contributed in any way to Ellen's health. Zoo spokeswoman Susan Altrui responded:
Our vet says it’s highly unlikely. She had been doing well and the introductions were going well. At 60-years-old things like this can happen. With Mary it was different because we had a prior diagnosis [of cancer] and we knew she would pass soon. It gave the staff and the community time to prepare for it. Part of why we didn’t disclose anything earlier today was so that staff had a moment to mourn her loss. They work day after day with these animals and Ellen has been a part of this Zoo for such a long time that it isn’t easy to let her go.
We learned something was amiss when a reader reported the closed zoo this morning. He was offered a pass for later, but was told zoo employees weren't at liberty to disclose the cause of the closure. A Zoo spokesman said the same to us when we first inquired. A volunteer working the zoo switchboard had said the zoo was closed for "maintenance." Removal of an elephant for burial — done by the zoo at an undisclosed rural site near Little Rock — is not an easy task.
The Zoo reopened about 2 p.m.
CORRECTION: I earlier mentioned video posted yesterday on the Zoo Facebook page of the arrival of a black rhino at the zoo. It was posted yesterday sure enough. But the rhino arrived three years ago. That's all I'll say about that.
LITTLE ROCK ZOO NEWS RELEASE
Stroke or Heart Attack Likely to Blame for Death of 60-Year-Old Elephant
LITTLE ROCK (July 5, 2011) — Sadly, this morning Ellen the elephant died with staff by her side. Preliminary indications are that 60-year-old Ellen died from a stroke or heart attack according to Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Marilynn Baeyens.
The Zoo was closed this morning and will continue to be closed so that Zoo staff can remove Ellen from the Zoo.
In 1954 a train pulled into Little Rock to deliver a very special package: a three-year-old elephant named Ellen. Ellen was purchased for the Little Rock Zoo by a donation from Raymond Rebsamen, a local businessman and philanthropist. Ellen was brought to the Zoo to be a companion to Ruth, an elephant living at the capital city’s zoo since 1937 when she was purchased from the Engesser Circus.
Ellen quickly captured the hearts of Arkansans. Her arrival was met with much excitement and that same excitement was seen on the faces of children and adults alike when they visited Ellen throughout the years. Generations celebrated birthday parties for Ellen and some remember a time past when Ellen gave rides to the public.
Ellen holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Arkansans and will be deeply missed by Zoo staff and by the community as a whole.
Donations in Ellen’s memory can be made to the International Elephant Foundation at www.elephantconservation.org. Pictures of Ellen from 1954 to today can also be found online at www.littlerockzoo.com..
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Comments (36)
Showing 1-36 of 36
This is so incredibly sad. I heard the elephant keeper on the news over the weekend bragging about how these elephants get care and treatment not offered at a sanctuary. PLEASE!
It is time to close the zoo and invest in other forms of "entertainment" that educate people.
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Indeed... it is time for zoos to close. No animal deserves to have to live that kind of life.
I remember when I was a kid, the old couple next door's little dog died, within a week the husband had died and less than 2 weeks later the old lady died. Sometimes, in old age, it's only the presence of our friends that gives us reason to go on. Maybe Ellen wasn't so much mistreated as lonely.
The rhino video just goes to show you... one never knows what's in the back of those 18 wheelers.
At least Ellen is now free.... I hope there is an outdoor smoking section in heaven's fenceless zoo.
She lived 10 years past a normal elephant life expectancy of 50 years in the wild. Was cared for by trained caring people. Was fed daily. Lived in a clean, disease free environment free from being hunted by predators and people. She had plenty of room to roam around and shelter when she didn't. Yeah...that must have been hell.
Was it Ellen many years ago took up a paint brush and would swirl across a canvas a bit? If so, I've got one of her, uh, paintings.
For the next 20 years, the LR Zoo will play elephant shuffle as they scramble to keep their elephant attraction in the entertainment lineup despite the fact the things keep dying on them.
Finally, in 2031, the zoo will successfully close a fundraising campaign to buy out an elephant sanctuary, improving the quality of life for 20 pachyderms by moving them out of the country and into the city, where they can be properly supervised by trained caring people and live in a clean, disease free caged environment for the benefit of schoolchildren and other paid attendees.
Yes, Ellen painted, and did lots of other things that are fun for elephants in captivity. She and Mary were some of the only zoo elephants in the US who had daily walks around the whole zoo, for exercise and to engage their smart brains. Ellen had a great relationship with the people who cared for her, and was given new things to learn and do on a regular basis.
Let's remember that everything that has a beginning has an ending. Ellen's death is sad, but it isn't anybody's fault. She was an old creature who'd just lost her companion. Maybe instead of trying to place blame, we should support the zoo staff, who have just lost an animal they cared very much about.
Goodbye, big friend. You'll be missed.
Nice of people to use the death of a beloved animal to try to advance their own political agendas. Good show!
There will always be overly dramatic, holier than thou, self righteous know-it-alls who feel the need to point a finger at everyone but themselves...blaming neglect and confinement for something as natural as dying of old age. While I can't speak for animals like the shade tree zoologists commenters...I can guarantee the only thing the naysayers have done to improve these animals quality of life is to bitch and point fingers anonymously on a comment thead. That is an easy bet. Get over yourselves already.
History will eventually reveal that there is a fundamental conflict between "beloved" and "forced to die in a concrete cage after spending decades on display for entertainment and revenues."
A 16 hour road trip in the big box behind an 18 Wheeler...didn't see any cooling unit or vents on that trailer, how hot was it in there? Folks leaving their dogs or kids locked up in a car at WalMart would be arrested for that behavior. Please tell us if the trailer had a cooling unit, water, etc.
Both elephants were over 60 years old. Zoo's have been in operation since the 1800's. Exactly how much history do you need to make your point? I'm tired of talking about elephants...tell me what the zebra's are thinking now...
I encourage those that think Ellen’s loss of liberty contributed to her longevity to try it for themselves.
“Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery,
I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.”
Abraham Lincoln
Was Ellen able to grieve over the dead body of her mate or was the mate removed prematurely? This aspect is articulated in the writings of animal behavior. As humans we at times are told not to talk about death and so we learn to ignore our behavior needs as well as those of the animals we care for.
Just FYI, the rhino video is old. navaisha has been at the zoo for a while. i am not sre why it qas posted yesterday. Ellen was allowed to see Mary's body and grieve. I am a volunteer at the zoo, not an official source, but the info about Ellen and Mary being left alone together was in the press release.
THIS JUST IN--the City of Little Rock will use the life insurance proceeds from Ellen's death to fund a bonus appropriation to the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. In turn, the Chamber will underwrite new promotional ads for the city--"Little Rock--Not Just An Elephant Graveyard"
Amanda, please don't try to muss up this thread with facts. Facts get in the way of what people already know--that the zookeepers are evil Simon-Legree types who have no affections for the animals they interact with, and who are only concerned with the huge amounts of money that the zoo is making. I mean, zoos must be evil, because it said so in that documentary movie that one time. Also, people who transport elephants are never concerned whether or not the elephant makes it to the destination alive or not. Because, why would they be? Everyone knows that people who work at zoos hate animals. They only work there because of the incredibly high pay and prestige heaped upon them.
Ain't that the truth, Archaeopteryx. I actually became involved in the zoo because I was emailed how stupid, illiterate and hateful the zookeepers at the LRZoo were (I run a blog). I decided to check it out by actually visiting the zoo for the first time in ages (this was about 10 years ago) and talking to some of the staff (weird, right?). I found well read and educated, well spoken, compassionate people. Now I am biased, so after this I'm out.
I did want to clear up the Navaisha rhino thing, so nobody comes looking for the new rhino. I saw it yesterday and thought it was odd they posted it. I can't remember when she came, but it's been 2-3 years.
On this thread, I'll go with Zatharus's quotation:
“Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery,
I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.”
Abraham Lincoln
All the animal keepers at the zoo I've ever met and known took great care of their animal charges. That said, they don't set zoo policy and their jobs depend on the continued existence of zoos. They are generally well trained, do their best to care for the animals and have a strong bias (their livelihood). That's understandable.
I suspect several new posters (like wishtribe and darkaly) on this thread work at the zoo and are trying to tilt the discussion their way- keep large animals in small, confined spaces so people can see them and money can be raised and Little Rock can be like other cities and have a zoo and zoo keepers can stay employed.
Suppose Ellen had been given a vote before she was convicted and given a life sentence. How do you suppose she would have voted? Roam free with numerous other elephants as they naturally do in the wild or spend 57 years of her life (95%) in what was a very confined space for an elephant, often with only one or even no companions? Hard choice, that one.
She may have been 60 years old, but I think she died of a broken heart. Conjecture by the zoo that a stroke or heart attack killed her was only the physical manifestation.
Zoos are prisons for animals.
Zath hit the nail on its head: "I encourage those that think Ellen’s loss of liberty contributed to her longevity to try it for themselves." Amen, amen, amen.
I want to be sure I understand, although I doubt I'll have further comment: Is the thinking of *some* here that we should have *no* zoos -- no giant pythons, no alligators, no peacocks, no flamingoes, buffaloes, warthogs, polar bears or otters -- or just no elephants in captivity?
And if that's your thinking, I have no counterarguments to post here. It'll just be something new for me to chew on.
Allow me to rephrase your query:
under what conditions would captivity be better than freedom?
“Seek freedom and become captive of your desires,
seek discipline and find your liberty.”
Frank Herbert
I worked at the zoo many years ago and I was always amazed at the loving care that the elephant keepers showed for their large charges.
I remember watching her being coaxed by her keeper to get into the pool to take a bath. She would stand at the far side of her enclosure, basking in the sun, eyes slightly closed, watching her keepers, Ed and Bob, with those impossibly long lashes, swaying to her own beat.
She was beloved by so many Arkansans for so many years.
Thank you Ellen for the happy memories-
You are indeed a true Arkansas "diamond"!
Rest in sweet respose!
Yes Zatharus; I think that's fair. And I'd add: "And is there a class of animals (perhaps those known to be "social" or "intelligent") to which concern is limited, or would it extend, say, to Sea World and a 12-year-old's fishbowl?"
Or perhaps the concern is limited only to humane treatment of animals, such as those who understandably work for humane treatment even of those animals whose owners intend to sell them for food? In that case, the inhumanity of zoos--vis-a-vis freedom--would be the issue.
To government_cheese:
Give me a break. Have you ever even visited the elephants at the zoo? I was fortunate to have the opportunity to say hello and even touch the wonderful, tough, hairy faces of Ellen and Mary last summer, and they seemed quite happy and peaceful. Their handlers were wonderful, and I think the elephants' lives were every bit as good as they might have been at a "sanctuary." I don't have an alter-ego, so feel free to contact me directly.
As fate would have it, the dear sweet sainted wife and I took one of the grands to the zoo the other day and while there, paid a call on Ellen and her two sisters, Jewell and Zina.
Although Ellen had already been on her daily two-mile walk with her keepers and though it was hotter than Hades, she and her sisters were playful and she appeared to be in high spirits and good health.
Thus, Ellen’s death is a stunner — even at age 60. As was last week’s untimely death of Joe, a close friend and all-around good guy who’d also appeared to be robust and who, according to life-expectancy statistics, should have lived at least another 20 years.
Both Ellen and Joe will be greatly missed; however, as the ArkD-G’s Frank Fellone noted on another thread, a reality of life is that nothing is forever. Which is true. Yet, who’s to say with certainty that I won’t one day see Joe and Ellen again as I walk the golden streets of Glory?
AmandaGal, please know that at least one person on this blog appreciates your volunteer work at the zoo. One o' these days when I have fewer commitments, I may very well join you there as a fellow volunteer.
Good animal care does not equate with good animal welfare. Sure, Mary and Ellen had the "best" veterinarians, the "best" keepers, the "best" nutrition, but was their life really the best available in a captive world? No! They were subjected (as are Zina and Jewel) to old school circus style management, i.e. negative reinforcement via the use of bull hooks (not exactly what I would describe as "loving care".. anyone who could strike an animal is not loving), chaining and were on pain medications for foot disease caused by standing on concrete and hard packed earth. Every minute of every day of their lives was ordained by the zoo schedule, no freedom of choice whatsoever. I just wish more people were informed about what captive elephants endure. It's just darn sad that they were denied a chance to be real elephants in a true sanctuary. Some animal species do quite well in traditional zoos, but it is well known that elephants do not.
@lynnb:
I have no doubt the caretakers and zoo keepers at the LR Zoo don't love and provide excellent care for the animals. I am sure the animals get the best care possible under the circumstances. However, zoos simply can not provide for animals in the same way sanctuaries can.
Despite their professed concern for animals, zoos can more accurately be described as “collections” of interesting animals than as actual havens or homes. Even under the best of circumstances at the best of zoos, captivity cannot begin to replicate wild animals’ habitats. Animals are often prevented from doing most of the things that are natural and important to them, like running, roaming, flying, climbing, foraging, choosing a partner, and being with others of their own kind. Zoos teach people that it is acceptable to interfere with animals and keep them locked up in captivity, where they are bored, cramped, lonely, deprived of all control over their lives, and far from their natural homes.
The major problem with zoos is that the animals who live there are kept in enclosures that don't allow them to live their lives in a natural way. No matter how big some zoos try to make the enclosures, no matter how many branches they put in them, no matter how beautiful they make the background paintings on the wall, they don't compare with the natural habitat the animals were meant to be in. Zoo animals have to spend day after day, week after week, year after year in the exact same enclosure. This makes their lives very monotonous.
Elephants in the wild for instance, are used to traveling many miles a day in herds of about ten related adults and their offspring. They are very social animals.
In zoos, elephants are usually kept in pairs or even isolated. Their enclosures are incredibly small, compared to what they are used to in the wild. Elephants often show many signs of being stressed out or bored, like engaging in repetitive movements.
Additionally, zoos claim to provide educational opportunities, but most visitors spend only a few minutes at each display, seeking entertainment rather than enlightenment. Most zoo enclosures are very small, and rather than promoting respect for or understanding of animals, signs often provide little more information than an animal’s species, diet, and natural range. Animals’ normal behavior is seldom discussed, much less observed, because their natural needs are rarely met. Birds’ wings may be clipped so that they cannot fly, aquatic animals often go without adequate water, and many animals who naturally live in large herds or family groups are kept alone or, at most, in pairs. Natural hunting and mating behaviors are virtually eliminated by regulated feeding and breeding regimens. Animals are closely confined, lack privacy, and have little opportunity for mental stimulation or physical exercise. These conditions often result in abnormal and self-destructive behavior, known as “zoochosis.”
I am waiting for Norma to weigh in on this subject. I am sure she will say that the Little Rock Zoo should have allowed Ellen to live out her final days in the elephant refuge, but who is to say she would have lived longer had it done so? The whole issue is politicized, a concept that Ellen could never have understood. I would guess she died as happy as an elephant could die.
Then you would guess wrong about Ellen, James of the Plains. As anybody who watched the short two-part video graphically depicting the "happiness" and bonding of an elephant freed from years of solitary confinement and released to a sanctuary, originally posted by Arkie, can plainly see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzEUayHqrRc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXKxgLvIS6Y…
Of COURSE this is all political. The LAST thing it’s about is Ellen or the two new elephants at the zoo.
But showing people the truth and facts, as repeated studies show, often makes them believe their own prejudged BS even more strongly.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Backf…
I can’t help that.
Government Cheese states it as well as I ever could.
The original threads on the topic of Ellen back in May are still a sad revelation. Not about elephants confined in zoos, which is sad enough. About human beings confined in ignorance who deny all scientific information and research in their determination to keep these magnificent creatures penned for “entertainment” and pseudo-educational value . . . as a reflection of their own attitudes and understanding of Nature and the Earth, I guess.
Oscar: In that case, can we picket the Little Rock Dog Training Club tomorrow? Some of the corrections I've seen applied to dogs as "training" seem much more inhumane than the way our elephants are managed. I quit going to the LRDTC because I couldn't stand it. Keepers don't actually use negative reinforcement. They usually wait until the correct action is performed and then reward. The LR Zoo elephants have not been chained, but Zina and Jewell were before they came to zoo. Ringling does it. The zoo is the first time they've gotten to sleep without chaining.
Feel free to visit and ask the sources themselves how they actually use their tools.
Is there any indication that something was amiss *yesterday* when the zoo video was posted? If those in charge of the website had no reason to suspect Ellen might pass, then posting of a three-year-old rhino video the day before the death doesn't seem sinister.
Doesn't matter how you spin it, bull hooks are WEAPONS, and yes, I've seen them used, plenty of times, and at the LR Zoo. WHY doesn't the LR Zoo adopt the much more humane "Protected Contact" management that doesn't require the use of bull hooks? I have heard that PC takes longer to get things done and that is why staff and vets, who want/need instant results, don't like PC. "Elephant time" doesn't exist in zoos, only zoo time. Need to perform routine husbandry, move an elephant from one stall to another, get them to their outdoor pen... just carry a bull hook. One look, they know.. an elephant never forgets. It's so nice to visit progressive zoos like North Carolina and Oakland that are shining stars in their humane management of captive elephants. Come on, LR, you can do MUCH better. Perhaps a change in "management" at the LR zoo is what we need.
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