Oldest elephant in N. America dies at 71

[Renew Deal]

Source: CNN

Taj, an Asian elephant who could hold a paintbrush to create art on canvas, has died at age 71, her keepers announced.

"As the oldest elephant in North America, we mourn the loss of this gentle soul who touched millions, but we also celebrate an extraordinary life," Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park in Vallejo, California, posted Tuesday on its Facebook page.

Taj far exceeded the average life expectancy of 44.8 years for her species, park spokeswoman Nancy Chan told the San Jose Mercury News.

Taj lived at the park for 33 years. Before her retirement three years go, the former Circus Vargas performer entertained crowds by stacking logs and playing tug of war with visitors, according to the Mercury News.
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Read more: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/19/oldest-elephant-in-n-america-dies-at-71

[poverlay]

1. Sad day.... .n/t

[xchrom]

2. may Peace be with all her fellow travelors -- she sounded like a wonderful creature to know. nt

[The Stranger]

3. Why did they have her stacking logs and playing tug of war?

Doesn't make sense for an animal so many years beyond its life expectancy.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

4. Maybe that's why she lived so long

[InvisibleTouch]

5. Good journey to her. n/t

[goforit]

6. Wow, what a sweet little angel.