The Birmingham News
June 18, 2007

Original Article

Staff and vets used slings this morning to help raise the Birmingham Zoo's remaining elephant to her feet.

Mona, a nearly 60-year-old, 8,000-pound elephant, was found off her feet and unable to stand this morning, said Katrina Cade, vice president of marketing.

The elephant is now standing, eating and drinking, Cade said.

The zoo was criticized for its care of Mona in January because she is kept in a relatively small enclosure and by herself. But an oversight group said Mona was receiving good care, and officials said there was no way to move her to an elephant sanctuary because the transfer would be too traumatic.

Mona has been on her own since her penmate died two years ago.

The elephant exhibit is closed for now.