Local News | Hansa, Woodland Park Zoo elephant, dead at 6 | Seattle Times Newspaper:
Hansa, the 6 ½-year-old elephant at Woodland Park Zoo, was found dead this morning inside the zoo’s elephant barn.
Zoo officials believe the female Asian elephant died quietly in her sleep. Hansa had been lethargic and had a decreased appetite over the past week, according to the zoo.
My kids made her a birthday card when she was a yearling, and when we took it to the zoo, the keeper had quite a time opening it for her: she tried to get hold of it with the determination only someone that young can muster. She was a lot of fun to watch and learn from, and I’m sure there are a few sad kids around town tonight. I’m not feeling all that cheerful myself.