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Elephant born and raised at the Indianapolis Zoo dies at age 6

Posted at 5:33 PM, Mar 19, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-19 17:33:02-04

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – An African elephant born and raised at the Indianapolis Zoo has died.

The zoo announced Tuesday that 6-year-old Nyah passed away following a short illness.

Zoo officials said the elephant started showing signs of abdominal discomfort on Sunday. Veterinarians began care immediately.

According to the zoo, Nyah’s symptoms seemed typical of mild colic and she was drinking and eating, but the symptoms progressed rapidly and she died Tuesday morning. A necropsy is being conducted to better understand the cause of death.

“Nyah was a beautiful, fun and curious elephant, often seen following her big sister Zahara around,” wrote the zoo on social media. “We know that elephants grieve and each elephant in the herd was with Nyah after she died today to help them understand why she will not be with them anymore.”

The zoo said its staff, volunteers, members and the community will miss Nyah.

“She was an amazing ambassador for her species.”