OKC ZOO EUTHANIZES ITS OLDEST ASIAN ELEPHANT, REX, DUE TO DECLINING HEALTH FROM AGE-RELATED ISSUES
At approximately 57 years old, Rex was the oldest Asian elephant at the OKC Zoo and one of the oldest males of this species in AZA’s population. A remarkable ambassador for his species, Rex was the foundation of the Zoo’s Asian elephant breeding program, fathering three calves.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is saddened to announce the passing of its oldest Asian elephant, Rex, who was humanely euthanized on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Rex, approximately 57 years old, was undergoing care and treatment for advanced osteoarthritis and other age-related issues. Caretakers were monitoring Rex and recording data on a regular basis to observe changes in his health. Working closely with the Zoo’s veterinary care team, they developed a daily geriatric care and treatment program for Rex that included medications, physical therapy, and habitat accommodations to address his mobility needs. More recently caretakers noted a decline in Rex’s physical condition including significant reduction in his mobility, increased stiffness and discomfort in his legs and feet, and difficulty in traversing some of the more uneven terrain in his habitat. All of these changes were indications of chronic pain or discomfort that was no longer able to be alleviated with medical or physical therapy. Realizing that Rex’s quality of life was diminishing beyond medical treatment, the Zoo’s veterinary and elephant care teams made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him. Rex peacefully passed away inside the Zoo’s elephant barn at Sanctuary Asia surrounded by his caretakers.
“Rex’s life and continuing legacy will not be forgotten. He was the cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Zoo’s elephant breeding program and the proud father of our three young females,” said Rachel Boyd, OKC Zoo’s elephant curator.
At 57, Rex was geriatric or at an advanced age near or beyond the average life expectancy for Asian elephants. He was one of the oldest male Asian elephants in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) population. As an accredited AZA member, the OKC Zoo is committed to providing exceptional care and optimal wellbeing for all its animals, often overseeing their whole life care from birth to death. Animals in human care tend to live significantly longer lives than their wild counterparts, sometimes doubling life expectancy, due to exceptional veterinary care and wellbeing.
The OKC Zoo welcomed Rex to its animal family in December 2011 from African Lion Safari in Hamilton, Canada as part of a breeding recommendation through AZA’s Species Survival Plan® for Asian elephants. “Rex’s Trek” to the Zoo was a community supported effort as elephant fans of all ages contributed to a fundraising campaign that helped sponsor Rex’s journey from Canada to Oklahoma City. Rex’s arrival launched the OKC Zoo’s Asian elephant breeding program and he fathered three calves, Achara, Kairavi, and Rama. His daughter, Achara is expecting her first calf this July, the first of a third generation for the Zoo’s elephant family.
“Rex’s influence not only shaped the future of the Zoo’s herd but also our continued commitment to conservation and animal care,” added Boyd. “In North America, his enduring legacy lives on through his seven living calves and five living grand-calves, including three here at the Zoo. Rex was truly a remarkable presence, and I feel honored to have cared for him in the final years of his life.”
A favorite among Zoo guests, Rex was recognizable by his impressive tusks and freckle-dotted forehead. Rex also preferred a bachelor lifestyle. According to his caretakers, Rex enjoyed his independence from his herd mates and was often given access to a separate habitat. He loved eating browse and anything he could smash like watermelons and pumpkins, both favored enrichment treats, as well as swimming in the habitat pools.
In honor of Rex, the Zoo encourages fans to share their photos and memories of him on its social channels @okczoo.
The OKC Zoo has been caring for elephants since 1930, connecting millions to these beloved animals. Asian elephants are endangered and the OKC Zoo works with global conservation partners and supports ongoing research to ensure a sustainable future for the species. The Zoo has contributed more than $450,000 to elephant-related conservation in the last 15 years and supported a number of projects in Asia that protect habitat with boots-on-the-ground teams that work to mitigate human-elephant conflict, prevent poaching, and reduce habitat encroachment. OKC Zoo is the only AZA zoo leading research in Sri Lanka to better understand Asian elephant social relationships, land use, and the impacts of tourism. Results from this research will help inform wild elephant management in Sri Lanka, which has high levels of human-elephant conflict. The Zoo is a partner of AZA’s SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program for Asian elephants and proudly supports their strategic conservation education efforts.
OKC Zoo is currently home to seven Asian elephants including Asha (29), Chandra (28), Kandula (23), Bowie (11), Achara (10), Kairavi (6), and Rama (2). Achara and Bowie are expecting their first calf in July.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. The Zoo will be closed to the public Tuesdays and Wednesdays now through February 5, 2025. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories.
Photo By: Dr. Jennifer D.