The elephant calf that was born in Somerset County died at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, it was announced on Wednesday.
“Our hearts are broken, it’s just devastating,” says Dr. Barbara Baker, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
“She touched so many people in such a short time. We did everything we possibly could to care for her, but unfortunately in the end, it just wasn’t enough.The elephant stopped eating during teething. Staffers decided to insert a feeding tube so keepers and veterinary staff could provide her with nutrients and vitamins. After her weight did not pick up consistently, the staff at the zoo decided that the only humane thing to do was euthanize the calf.
Throughout the calf’s life, the zoo’s staff consulted with elephant experts from around the world, including the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the world leader in saving orphaned elephant calves.
“When we spoke with them, they assured us that it was a normal occurrence for calves who are teething to not have an appetite…
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