Oldest North American Elephant Dies in Vallejo - Taj was 71

In this photo provided by Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Taj, an Asian elephant is shown on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 in Vallejo. Calif. Taj passed away on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, after her quality of life had declined significantly. She was 71 years old.(AP Photo/Six Flags Discovery Kingdom)


Oldest North American Elephant Dies in Vallejo
By RJ MIDDLETON
Updated 12:30 PM PST, Tue, Jan 18, 2011

snip...
“Taj was a remarkable elephant that touched millions of people over the course of her long life,” park President Dale Kaetzel said in a press release. “We are truly in mourning for this loss; words cannot describe how our entire staff is feeling, in particular the elephant trainers who worked with her every day for years. She enjoyed a long and fruitful life, and in the 33 years she lived at our park, we all learned so much from her.”

She started her career as a performing circus elephant, from 1970-76. In 1976, she was presented to the Hari Krishnas, who used her -- briefly -- in their religious ceremonies.

Her mischievious nature, paired with a lively spirit, led her to move on to Six Flags.

“Taj is the kind of unique soul you hope to be lucky enough to encounter once in your lifetime,” said Nick Way, senior elephant trainer. “She was patient and gentle; a role model for young elephants and young trainers alike. No matter what was going on you could always count on Taj being excited to see you.

more...
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Oldest-North-American-Elephant-Dies-in-Vallejo-114154869.html


:(

Her soul will have a wonderful future.

:(

I love elephants. They're my favorite animal.

I met her once and had a great encounter with her trunk. Back in the day during winter months and there weren't as many visitors, you could have very up close and personal encounters with many of the animals. She was in an outdoor education area with her handler and I had the amazing opportunity to feed her, give her a good elephant scratch/massage, and have a great meeting of the souls. When you looked in her eyes there was undoubtedly "someone" looking back and interacting with you. She was very, very gentle and had a wise aura about her. During the 15 minutes I got to spend with her she kept trying to caress my face and head with her trunk. Her handler kept trying to distract her from doing it, but she was bound and determined to have at me.

She was a tremendous embassador for her wild cousins, and I thank her for all the joy she brought the Bay Area. Well done, Taj.

What a wonderful memory to have!

I have been to Marine World many times. I love to talk to the animals. I have probably seen, and talked to Taj, I just don't remember her by name.

:)