After 59 years on her toes, Mona, the Birmingham Zoo’s Asian elephant, died early this morning surrounded by her human herd, the zoo keepers and staff, some of whom have taken care of her for more than 20 years.Mona arrived at the Birmingham Zoo in 1955, and was one of the oldest elephants in North America. According to a study published in the journal Zoo Biology, the average life span of female Asian elephants in North American zoological facilites is 44.8 years. That same study found that the life expectancies of elephants in zoos are consistent with elephants in the wild.

Last Monday, Mona had difficulty standing, and it took dozens of veterinarians, zookeepers and staff and a crane to get the 8,000-pound beauty back on her feet. Anticipating further age-related complications, the zoo staff made the difficult decision to euthanize her.

“This is an immense loss for the staff and those that love Mona,” says Birmingham Zoo CEO Dr. William Foster.  “Mona delighted three generations of Zoo visitors about her species. She lived a long and fulfilling life, a tribute to the staff and diligent care provided to her.”

Mona loved to paint and play musical instruments. Her favorite snack was marshmallow Peeps, but she also favored Altoids and peanuts.

— Glenny Brock