'We couldn't save Rani': Endangered elephant dies at St. Louis Zoo after unknown heart changes

An Asian elephant at the Saint Louis Zoo died after her herd was agitated by a loose dog Tuesday.

The 27-year-old female Rani (pronounced "Ronnie") unexpectedly passed away at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, according to the Saint Louis Zoo.

A small dog unleashed and lost on Friday afternoon was spotted running in a non-public area near the elephant barn. The zoo's elephant care workers tried to catch the dog, but one of the elephants outside the barn became agitated. As a result, zookeepers moved the elephant inside of the barn to ensure the dog's and the elephant's safety.

While Rani was eating inside the barn, she didn't notice the presence of a dog. However, the elephant care team noticed that Rani had become distressed in response to the vocalizations made by the herd. They observed Rani circling and making vocalizations within a very short period before ultimately collapsing, as stated in the zoo's press release.

After Rani fell, the zoo's Elephant Care and Animal Health teams immediately administered emergency care, but unfortunately, could not revive her.

"We are absolutely devastated. We ask for the community's thoughts and support during this difficult time," said Michael Macek, Saint Louis Zoo Director. "Our team of professional animal care experts did everything possible, but we couldn't save Rani."

A pathologist performed an animal autopsy on Rani, discovered preexisting heart changes of unknown significance, and is conducting further tests.

After Rani passed away, the Elephant Care Team (both current and past) and all the other elephants were given time to say goodbye to her on Friday evening. The rest of the herd calmed down swiftly and are presently doing well.

"Rani was a special member of this elephant family group," said Katie Pilgram-Kloppe, Zoological Manager of River's Edge. "She loved playing with her sisters Maliha and Priya. While growing up here in St. Louis, she got to learn from her mom, Ellie, on how to be an amazing mother herself. She had a great relationship with her animal care team and the other elephants. When socializing with her family she made a unique squeaking noise that her daughter Jade also mimics."

What is an Asian elephant?

Fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants remain in the wild and face the threat of extinction due to habitat loss and poaching.

Asian elephants are distributed across forests and grasslands throughout South and Southeast Asia. They have adapted to survive on diverse resources in these regions. These elephants are known for their highly social behavior. They form groups of six to seven related females that are led by the oldest female, known as the matriarch.

The Saint Louis Zoo has committed to conserving the endangered species of Asian elephants, which, as stated, are facing a declining population. To support the welfare and conservation of these elephants, the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Center for Asian Elephant Conservation is working towards conservation in Sumatra and other countries like Indonesia, India and Laos.

How many elephants left in the world?The status of elephant populations

More about Rani

In July 2001, Rani and her daughter, Ellie, arrived at the Saint Louis Zoo at the ages of 5 and 29. Rani also has three other children named Jade, Kenzi and Avi.

Rani and Ellie came from another Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo to join the herd at River's Edge. The AZA Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan recommended their move to St. Louis. This program collaborates with other AZA-accredited institutions to manage the North American Asian elephant population and ensure their health and genetic diversity.