Lahore Zoo's only elephant, Suzi dies
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The only elephant in the Lahore Zoo, Suzi, died on Saturday morning.
Imported in 1988, Suzi was a popular attraction at the zoo and had captivated generations of audiences since its inception at the zoo.
Officials at the zoo could not confirm a cause of death before the medical report was made available.
Speaking to Dawn, the Director of the Lahore Zoo Mohammad Shafqat said, "We won't be bringing a solo elephant, instead we'll bring a pair the next time."
Up until Saturday, only Karachi and Lahore zoos had elephants.
Suzi had spent more than 25 years of her life at the Lahore Zoo. The natural life span of elephants according to Zoo officials is about 50 years.
Zoos usually experience an influx of visitors during the holidays as people throng recreational spots, with zoos being popular destinations.
There was an outpour of grief on social media as users took to Twitter to recall memories of seeing Suzi at the zoo.
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On DawnNews
Comments (25) Closed
May 13, 2017 03:33pm
Life is very difficult for a solo elephant. They all need a companion elephant in captivity.
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May 13, 2017 03:40pm
Zoo keepers and enjoying salary every month however the zoo animals are living miserable life because of corruption. Free all animals and don't kill them in zoo.
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May 13, 2017 04:23pm
Suzi died due to zoo admin and her handlers she died due to animal cruelty, she died alone in captivity please no more elephants they are not properly cared for and mistreated
Rest in peace Suzi your free
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May 13, 2017 04:25pm
My heart breaks for Suzi, she has had a terrible life as highlighted so many times by Cells to Sanctuaries (PAWSPakistan). And this will happen again and each time it will be terribly painfull. DAWN and other newspapers in Pakistan have regularly and for years highlighted the appalling conditions of the zoos - Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad. In 2012 Saheli a female Asian elephant died. She had been limping for weeks, people brought it to the attention of zoo managers and no one acted! The wound from chains cutting in to her skin had become infected, she collapsed and died. Now there is Kaavaan - he has been offered a sanctuary home - to heal body and mind. Demand the #CDA let him go! #FreeKaavan
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May 13, 2017 04:28pm
@Basir ahamed Dubai Agree completely - zoos are no more than death traps. And some zoos kill animals so much its really distressing, even those that live exhibit evidence/behaviours of psychological torment
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May 13, 2017 05:00pm
Pakistan must invest and develop wild safaris for people of Pakistan. Atleast start with one
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May 13, 2017 05:17pm
Pakistan cannot afford to feed animals in their zoo.
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May 13, 2017 05:31pm
Why are we very cruel to this animal. Please let them live their world. No captivity any more.
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May 13, 2017 05:40pm
Aww! She was the elephant of my childhood. We used to ride on it. We'll miss her badly.
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May 13, 2017 05:53pm
This is very sad news. Every one has to taste the death as all are guests of this transient world.
This prestigious elephant was forlorn and alone yet she was caused to amuse and entertain the people particularly children.
Suzi you are gone but will be remembered of your hardworking, coolness and friendship with human being.
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May 13, 2017 06:05pm
Cause of death: human insensitivity and cruelty against animal. The very idea of zoo is wrong
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May 13, 2017 06:36pm
@Alba Same goes for humans
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May 13, 2017 06:40pm
The animals must be allowed free life in jungles and Safaris only .
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May 13, 2017 07:25pm
Given that elephants are extremely social, doesn't require einstein to conclude they need companionship. And what is it with painting her name on her head and the national emblem? Amounts to harrasment. Animals don't care about nationality. Petty humans. Give them sense.
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May 13, 2017 07:35pm
What a great tragedy?
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May 13, 2017 07:40pm
Feeling nostalgic :( It was a great pleasure seeing her in the zoo. RIP Suzi!
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May 13, 2017 07:51pm
Islamabad's zoo has also an elephant
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May 13, 2017 07:58pm
Please have mercy on these helpless animals. Don't bring them to a miserable life of captivity ,if zoo is unable to care for them and provide them with best possible dwelling, food and company.
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May 13, 2017 08:19pm
JIT should be made to investigate this.
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May 14, 2017 06:55am
Why do we even have these animals in the zoos when we cannot take care of them properly. It is very cruel and abuse of animals. Please stop doing this.
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May 14, 2017 09:19am
About 300 wild Elephants in Bangladesh.
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May 14, 2017 12:06pm
Miss u Suzi
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May 14, 2017 03:31pm
we need to free all animals and birds from all of the zoos in Pakistan and the world.
this is a new turn of humane culture in the globe.
we need to use the internet for pleasure of zoos.
zoos must be closed.
instead expand and use museums more and more
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May 15, 2017 05:36pm
I have seen two deaths of elephants at Lahore zoo . 1st was SHAHZORE the mosy popular elephant who swings the children with his legs and trunk & now the SUZI.
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May 15, 2017 05:41pm
I have seen death of two elephants at Lahore ZOO 1st was SHAHZORE the most popular elephant who swings the children with his legs and trunk. and now the SUZI.I witnessed the reception of SUZI at Lahore airport when she was loaded with flowers.
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