Queen of Spain Pleads for Grief-Stricken Zoo Elephant

Barcelona Zoo urged to move bereaved elephant to more suitable habitat
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted May 15, 2009 3:53 AM CDT
Queen of Spain Pleads for Grief-Stricken Zoo Elephant
Spain's Queen Sofia arrives for an Easter Mass at the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, last month. The queen has a long-time reputation as a friend of animals.   (AP Photo/Manu Mielniezuk)

Spain's Queen Sofia has intervened to help save an elephant campaigners say is dying of grief, the Independent reports. Susi, Barcelona Zoo's only elephant, lives alone in a concrete compound and has exhibited behavior experts say shows anxiety and deep depression since her companion died last year. The queen has written to the zoo—which insists Susi is fine—pleading with officials to transfer the elephant to an open, safari park-style habitat.
(More elephant stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X