Malee the elephant dies at OKC Zoo

Malee, a four-year-old Asian elephant at the OKC Zoo, likely died of the elephant herpes virus but test results are still pending, executive director Dwight Lawson said.

Henson said zoo keepers noticed slower than normal movements on Wednesday which continued into the afternoon. Malee was eating normally but by 4:30 p.m. concern grew as keepers noticed discoloration in her mouth.

#RIPMalee: Oklahomans react to death of elephant at OKC Zoo

Veterinary staff began treatment for the elephant herpes virus. A second treatment was administered at about 1 a.m. Thursday but Malee declined rapidly and died at about 4 a.m.

A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. Henson said it may be “some time” before the results will be known. The zoo’s other six elephants are reportedly doing fine.

The loss of Malee is especially difficult for zoo staff. She was the first elephant born at the zoo, and all enjoyed working with her.

"It's pretty devastating when you put that much of your life into something like that and you lose it," Lawson said. "A lot of them are wiped out. They’re making sure everyone is okay and that they are staying focused and safe around the elephants as everyone comes to grips with it."

The zoo has created a page to remember Malee on its website. It can be accessed by clicking here.

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