Paignton zoo have announced today that Duchess the African elephant has died.
She was found collapsed this morning and was euthanised by vets after an assessment.
Duchess was born in 1970 and came to Paignton Zoo in 1977 from Longleat Safari Park.
Duchess lived alone in her enclosure after her companion of 30 years, Gay was put to sleep in 2010 after a chronic illness.
Paignton Zoo said on Facebook: “We are very sad to announce the death of Duchess, our African elephant, earlier today.
“Keepers found her collapsed in her enclosure early this morning, and after being assessed by our veterinary team, we took the difficult decision to euthanise her on humanitarian grounds.
“We do not know the cause at this time; further details will be released once we receive the results of the post mortem examination.
Duchess was a much loved character at the Zoo and will be missed by everyone,”
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