NEW BEDFORD – Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford is mourning the death of a 66-year-old elephant that has been an iconic member of the zoo for nearly 40 years.
Massachusetts elephant dies
The zoo announced the death of Ruth, an Asian elephant who arrived at the facility in 1986 after spending part of her early years at Benson’s Wild Animal Farm in Hudson until it was sold in the late 1970s. Ruth was then an “elephant for hire” until being confiscated by Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Ruth entered hospice in October due to what the zoo described as “consistent, age-related decline in her mobility.”
“Ruth was beloved by so many,” Shara Rapoza, interim director of Buttonwood Park Zoo, said. “We wanted to invite the public into the process because while she means so much to our former and present animal care team, we also know that she touched countless others with her gentle nature, immense strength, and obvious intelligence. She is a symbol of compassion and resilience for so many.”