Yoyo, the African elephant considered the oldest of her species in the world, has passed away at Barcelona Zoo at the approximate age of 54 years old, far exceeding the average life expectancy for these animals, which is 39 years.
Yoyo’s health had deteriorated in recent weeks due to problems linked to her advanced age. Her condition became increasingly delicate and, despite the efforts of the zoo staff, it could not be reversed, as reported by the Barcelona City Council in a statement issued this Saturday.
A difficult past and a remarkable recovery
Before arriving at the zoo in 2009, Yoyo had lived in a circus, an experience that left her with physical and psychological injuries. These consequences required a lot of dedication and specialized care from the zoo team, which allowed her condition and attitude to improve significantly. Remembered as an “affable animal with a certain character,” Yoyo was part of the group of animals that the park has welcomed as a result of administrative interventions, with the zoo being a center adhered to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The zoo is providing special care to Susi and Bully, the other two elderly elephants that lived with Yoyo, as they had formed a “cohesive group” and their coexistence was very good.
The African elephant Yoyo dies at Barcelona Zoo[/caption>
Farewell and recognition to Yoyo
After mourning her death, the first deputy mayor, Laia Bonet, highlighted the role of Barcelona Zoo in the care of older elephants and stated that Yoyo received “maximum attention at all times” from the staff, who provided her with the necessary care to improve her well-being.
On the other hand, the director of Barcelona Zoo, Antoni Alarcón, affirmed that the park’s team will remember her as “an endearing elephant, with her own character, but at the same time caring and a reference for her companions, Susi and Bully.” He added: “She has always been very beloved by visitors and all of us.”.
Yoyo lived in a section of the zoo that replicates the Sahel savannah, designed to promote the well-being of the animals. The zoo’s technical team, along with personnel from the Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Service of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, will apply the protocol established for these cases and share all the information with the conservation program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), of which Barcelona Zoo is a part.
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