Chester Zoo Mourns as Asian Elephant Sundara Succumbs to Twisted Intestines

Chester Zoo commented ...

We are devastated to tell you about the sudden passing of one the zoo’s adult female Asian elephants, Sundara Hi Way.

Sundara suddenly fell ill inside the zoo’s Elephants of the Asian Forest habitat on Friday 19 July 2024.

Both Animal care and veterinary teams rushed to help her but, despite doing everything they could to try and treat her, Sundara deteriorated rapidly and very sadly passed away.

An examination has since taken place to help us understand the exact cause of the unexpected loss of Sundara. It has revealed that she had twisted intestines.

This complication can occur in a range of mammals, for example it is sometimes seen in horses. It can onset very quickly and is almost impossible to diagnose or treat in elephants.

“We are all so deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic turn of events. Our thoughts are, of course, with our wonderful elephant conservationists who have cared for Sundara since she was born here in 2004.”
Jamie Christon, the zoo’s CEO