Elephants Mourn Loss of Baby

Elephants gathered around 3-month-old Lola after she had died from a pulmonary embolism at Germany’s Hellabrunn Zoo.

Lola had been taken to the hospital, but she died during a cat scan prior to going into surgery.

“It’s a miracle that she lived as long as she did,” said zoo director and veterinarian Dr. Andreas Knieriem. “Her arteries were so blocked that blood couldn’t flow through her lungs anymore.”

Elephants can spend many days grieving the loss of one of their extended family. Mothers, in particular, find it hard to leave the body, and the family will wait with her for as long as possible before calling her to move on with them when they’re on migration.

Lola was brought back from the hospital so the family could pay their last respects.

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SharFleming 5 pts

How sad and touching. Elephants are unbelievably gentle and kind creatures. What a shame to lose such a young life but what a kind and loving send off by the family.

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saunieindiego 5 pts

That is very hard to watch. A sad day for the elephant herd.

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