Dhunja, an Asian elephant who resided at Belfast Zoo for 15 years, has sadly passed away seven months after being transferred to the Netherlands. The zoo expressed its profound sorrow over the loss, revealing that Dhunja's health had been declining due to her advanced age. The zoo manager, Alyn Cairns, shared the difficult decision to move Dhunja and another elephant, Yhetto, due to the zoo's herd size and emphasized the profound impact Dhunja's passing had on the entire zoo team. He noted that despite her relocation, Dhunja remained a cherished member of the zoo family, holding a special place in the hearts of staff and visitors.
An Asian elephant that lived at Belfast Zoo for 15 years before being moved to the Netherlands seven months ago has died. In a statement, Belfast Zoo said it was 'deeply saddened' by the news. The zoo is a retirement home for elderly cow elephants within the Elephant European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). At the time Dhunja and Yhetto were moved, Belfast Zoo manager Alyn Cairns said the main reason was due to the zoo's herd size.
Due to Dhunja's old age, her health had slowly been deteriorating. Mr. Cairns said it was 'a very difficult time for the whole zoo team' and that they were devastated. 'Dhjuna was a very much-loved member of the zoo family and, even though she recently moved to a new home, Dhjuna still held a special place in the hearts of all the staff and many generations of Belfast Zoo visitors over the years,' he said. 'It is devastating to watch any animal that we care for deteriorate so quickly and to have to make such a difficult decision is heartbreaking.' BBC News NI understands a 2019 audit of Belfast's elephant enclosure raised issues regarding some elements of the facilities for the animals - these included no outdoor pool, scratching posts and the need for modernization.
BELFAST ZOO ELEPHANT DHUNJA DEATH RETIREMENT HOME EUROPEAN ENDANGERED SPECIES PROGRAMME HEALTH ISSUES
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