Coco, Patriarch Of Zoo's Elephant Herd, Dies

The patriarch of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's elephant herd, Coco, died unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon, the zoo announced.

Zookeepers found the elephant, who was estimated to be 40, lying down on Wednesday morning and worked for more than eight hours to save him.

Zoo staff had not noticed any signs of illness. The cause of death may not be known for several weeks until the results of a necropsy are complete.

Coco stood approximately 10 feet 6 inches at the shoulder. He is the father of Beco who was born in March 2009 and Bohdi, born in April 2004.

He has lived at the zoo since 1974.

There are now four elephants at the Columbus Zoo; two adult females, Phoebe and Connie, and young males, Beco and Bodhi.

After Coco's human caretakers said goodbye they opened the doors to the rest of his herd so they could be with Coco one last time, the zoo said.

No offense to anyone, but Coco was probably the homiest male elephant you would ever want to see, but his death yesterday is unfortunate none the less. He didn't appear to be real old, in his late 30's so maybe the necropsy will be able to address what happened.

Courtesy of Mark Rosenthal