Ruth the elephant at Milwaukee County Zoo has died at age 43.
Milwaukee County Zoo MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Zoo (MZC) has announced the passing of Ruth the African savanna elephant.
She was euthanized inside the Zoo's Elephant Care Center after falling Saturday morning, Sept. 20.
Earlier this month, Ruth experienced a fall after being pushed by another elephant and needed to be rescued by Milwaukee first responders.
Today, zookeepers found her down and unable to get up on her own. The team performed a protocol to lift her up and zoo veterinarians consulted with the care staff on the decision to humanely euthanize her, staff say.
According to the zoo's press release, the members of the zoo's elephant herd are considered seniors as they are all in their 40s. The life expectancy for a female African savanna elephant in care is 39.4 years old, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
During euthanasia, she was surrounded by zookeepers and care staff who said goodbye.
The two other members of her herd, Brittany and Belle, were given time to see Ruth and space to process her death.
