Cheyenne Mountain Zoo elephant Kimba dies at 48

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo humanely euthanized Kimba, a 48-year-old African elephant, after recurring lethargy and loss of appetite worsened and treatment no longer restored her health. Kimba arrived at the Colorado Springs zoo in 1981 with Lucky, her longtime companion, who remains there at age 46. The second-oldest elephant in the zoo’s female herd, Kimba helped shape its elephant-care program and taught staff the value of a gentle, patient approach. She spent her final day with Lucky, grazing and resting in the sunshine, surrounded by her care team.