The Zurich Zoo has announced the passing of Ceyla-Himali, a 49-year-old Asian elephant, who was euthanized after she could no longer stand on her own.

Ceyla-Himali, who was brought from an elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka to Zurich in 1976, had been suffering from age-related health issues, particularly kidney problems.

Despite her ailments, she lived a long life, surpassing the average lifespan of Asian elephants in captivity, which is 48 years.

During her time at the zoo, she gave birth to six calves, with three of her offspring, including Panang and Farha, still residing at the zoo.

The zoo hopes that these elephants, along with the bull Thai, will continue to contribute to the conservation of the species, which faces threats from habitat loss and poaching.

The zoo has faced previous losses, including the deaths of several young elephants due to a herpes virus, highlighting the challenges in maintaining a healthy elephant population.