– Oldest elephant in Korea
– Elephant in Korea dies.
Oldest Elephant in Korea, Sakura, Passes Away at 59
By Jung Da-hyun
died on Tuesday. Courtesy of Seoul Grand Park”/>
Sakura, the oldest elephant in Korea, died on Tuesday. Courtesy of Seoul Grand Park
Sakura, the oldest elephant in Korea, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 59, which is equivalent to over 90 in human years.
According to Seoul Grand Park, Sakura died from health complications related to old age.
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 became 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 despite being 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 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 of the same 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.
Sakura’s passing is a significant loss for the community, as she had become a beloved figure and symbol of longevity. Her journey from Thailand to Japan and eventually Korea touched the hearts of many, inspiring children and adults alike.
While her cause of death was related to old age, the exact details are not known. However, her dedicated keepers and the staff at Seoul Grand Park did everything they could to ensure her well-being and comfort throughout her life.
Sakura’s legacy will live on through the memories and stories shared by those who had the privilege of knowing her. As the oldest elephant in Korea, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will be cherished for years to come.
Seoul Grand Park remains committed to the welfare of their remaining elephants and will continue to provide them with the care and support they need during this difficult time.
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– Oldest elephant in Korea dies
– Elephant in Korea dies at 59.
