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The Passing of a Patriarch: Remembering Dalip
With profound sadness and heavy hearts, Zoo Miami recently announced the death of “Dalip” the Asian elephant, who was humanely euthanized on November 24, 2022, after he was found lying down on his habitat, unable to get up.
Dalip was larger than life. Regal and magnificent, he was believed to be the oldest elephant bull in the country at 56 years old. His huge tusks were so long, they occasionally had to be trimmed so that they didn’t hit the ground. Not only was he the patriarch of the elephant herd, but in a way, he was recognized as the patriarch of the entire animal population at Zoo Miami.
Ron Magill
In fact, Dalip was the last mammal at Zoo Miami that has been with us since we were known as the Crandon Park Zoo on Key Biscayne, then Miami Metrozoo. He arrived at the zoo from India in 1967 at just one year old – a gift from a benefactor named Ralph Scott.
During his time at Zoo Miami, Dalip brought smiles to countless guests and helped to educate and inspire millions of visitors and supporters about elephants and the importance of protecting them. In 1981, he even sired a male calf named Spike.
Ron Magill
Unfortunately, Dalip recently began losing weight and showing signs of declining health associated with his advanced age. A variety of treatments were administered with limited success and specialists were consulted and were preparing to fly to Miami to provide additional expertise when Dalip was found lying down on his habitat. Tremendous effort was made by Animal Science, Animal Health, and Maintenance teams to get him on his feet. But, after examining blood levels that indicated that key components had elevated to a point where there was little to no chance for recovery, the extremely difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
Ron Magill
We’re heartbroken and devastated by this loss. His death, on Thanksgiving no less, inspires gratitude for the impact he left on us all, and the compassionate care he received throughout his life.
