SEATTLE – Test results have eliminated some possible causes for the death of Hansa, a 6-year-old Asian elephant at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, but officials said Friday they still don’t know the reason she died.
Scientists in Washington and across the country have been studying tissue, organ and blood samples to discover why Hansa died June 8 after reduced activity and appetite. Conclusive results could take a few more weeks, the zoo said in a news release.
Tests have ruled out digestive blockages, bloating, genetic disease, nutritional disease, cancer and salmonella. Zoo officials also said there was no evidence of bacteria that could affect other elephants or humans at the zoo.
Hansa, born in 2000 to 28-year-old Chai, was the first elephant born in the state. The remaining all-female herd at Woodland Park includes Chai, 48-year-old Asian elephant Bamboo and 38-year-old African elephant Watoto.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
