Former Toronto Zoo elephant dies in California sanctuary

TORONTO – The Toronto Zoo says one of three elephants who were moved to a California sanctuary two years ago has died.

The Performing Animals Welfare Society Sanctuary in San Andreas, Calif., says the 46-year-old Iringa was humanely euthanized Wednesday following a history of degenerative joint and foot disease.

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Iringa, along with Thika and Toka, were moved to the sanctuary in 2013 after Toronto city council voted to end the elephant program.

The sanctuary’s keepers said Iringa’s favourite pastimes included floating in her pool, covering herself in mud and stealing treat buckets from wildcare staff.

The Toronto Zoo says the elephant was known for her intelligence and unpredictability.

Iringa was born in Mozambique in 1969, making her one of the oldest elephants in North America, and was brought to the Toronto Zoo when she was five years old.