Suzi, Lahore Zoo’s only elephant and one of the main attractions, passed away earlier today at the age of 31.
Lahore Zoo's darling 'Suzi' dies at 31 https://t.co/VXCXZjqQaH pic.twitter.com/6Jwkgdj39y
— The Express Tribune (@etribune) May 13, 2017
After suffering from acute pain for a couple of days, Suzi lost the battle between life and death. Suzi was not only one of the main attractions at the zoo, she was also a general favorite, who had made her mark in the hearts of all those who had visited her.
Understandably, many people were upset at her demise
FOR THE LOVE OF SUZI
she died I loved her so much what am I gonna do in lahore zoo now? ?
Rest in peace suzi? pic.twitter.com/QQzZRqeJ72— Maryum (@iKaliJenner) May 13, 2017
Suzi died today at Lahore zoo. Whenever i used to visit the zoo my top priority has always been to see Suzi. You will be missed ?? pic.twitter.com/xhbjHyUkgs
— Arky (@HasaanAzmat) May 13, 2017
Some even called her the ronaq of Lahore Zoo
I loved "suzi" she was literally the RONAQ of lahore zoo ?
— Irza Khan (@irzakhaan) May 13, 2017
Others recounted how she was a part of their childhood
The news of her demise broke many hearts
She had been the apple of many an eye
Some people shared their childhood stories about meeting Suzi
I met suzi first time when i was just 6 months old… And last time i met her 2 weeks ago.. She was busy to Give Memories to Visitors ??? pic.twitter.com/SwPJuIFACu
— Waqas Amjad (@Waqas_amjad) May 13, 2017
Suzi had been a huge part of numerous childhood memories
Children, too, were saddened by the news
Many reminisced childhood visits to the Zoo and their encounters with Suzi
Suzi, the African Bush elephant, was brought to Pakistan from Africa in 1992 at the age of 6.
She had not been given the opportunity to mingle among her own species. Suzi had been living alone in the zoo since her arrival due to a shortage of funds and unavailability of African elephants. This directly contradicts the recommendation issued by World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The recommendation states, “Each zoo holding elephants must have a minimum of three females (or the space to accommodate three females,) two males or three elephants of mixed gender.”
Some people took this incident as an opportunity to share their opinion about the cause of her death
They attributed her death to factors that may have not been paid attention to
People pointed out how zoos essentially double as jails
Others called for a halt to the cruelty that takes place within the walls of zoos
Other factors that may have led to her demise were observed as well
However, this statement hit close to home
The fact that our zoos are not well equipped to sustain animals in a healthy environment is not a surprise but Suzi lived on to be 31 years old. And she has left back many young adults with memories of their time at the Lahore zoo when they were little kids. Perhaps, Suzi would not have passes away, had circumstances been different. The question remains: will we learn from this heart wrenching episode, or will this be shoved aside like every other incident that takes place in our country? One would hope that with the love Pakistanis had for Suzi, the latter does come into play.
Cover image via: beam.pk