Asian elephant, 26, dies at Mexico zoo; investigation opened

MEXICO CITY – A 26-year-old elephant has died at a zoo outside the Mexican capital and authorities are investigating to make sure negligence was not a factor.

The Asian elephant known as Benny passed away Christmas Day at the Ehecatl Ecological Park in Ecatepec, in the State of Mexico.

The federal environmental protection agency said Wednesday in a statement that he died of a kidney ailment whose cause is not yet known.

Benny arrived at the zoo in 2014 and was coupled with a female elephant named Bireky in hopes they would reproduce.

The more than 9,000-pound (4,200-kilogram) animal was buried on park grounds.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles