Colorado Springs, CO – After a long struggle, an elephant at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has given up her fight and passed away. The heartbreaking update was made on Sunday. The zoo explained that Malaika, a 37-year-old African elephant, had “given up her fight” following a long struggle with mobility issues and chronic illness.

On Friday, Malaika went down and was unable to get up again. The zoo’s trained staff teamed up with the fire department to get Malaika back on her feet, but she was still unable to stand on her own and had to be humanely euthanized on Saturday.

Malaika’s health had been “up and down” since February 2022, but the latest incident revealed that it was “her time” to go.

The zoo said:

Despite her history of health challenges, Malaika had far more good days than bad ones in her life. Malaika was described by her keepers as one of the sassiest elephants in our herd, and she frequently carried logs, tires and puzzle feeders around her spaces. She often enjoyed having time to herself, but she would also socialize with Kimba and Lucky.

Malaika’s keepers describe her as a “one-of-a-kind” elephant who loved jumbo marshmallows, salty pretzels, being the center of attention, and her care providers. In a release, the zoo said:

She always knew when a keeper had a new lotion on, and would investigate the new smell with her trunk until she was satisfied. She always entered a new space carrying one of her favorite tires, oftentimes trumpeting as to say “Here I am!”

Adding:

Malaika had a strong, trusting relationship with her keepers, and will be deeply missed by all of her human and elephant friends.

Rest in peace Malaika.