America's oldest Asian elephant dies

In the world's longest continuous study of elephants, researchers who have spent nearly 40 years observing their behaviour at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya say the animals use complex communications in what appear to be discussions over which route to take.

Published Jan 19, 2011

Vallejo - North America's oldest Asian elephant has died at a Northern California theme park at the age of 71.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on Tuesday announced the death of Taj, who had lived at the Vallejo park for 33 years.

The elephant was one of Discovery Kingdom's most popular attractions. Her tricks included stacking logs and playing tug-of-war with guests. The park retired her three years ago.

In honour of Taj's 70th birthday last year, park staff threw a party that included a multi-tiered cake topped with her favourite fruits and vegetables.

Park spokeswoman Nancy Chan tells the Times-Herald of Vallejo that a necropsy on Taj will be performed at UC Davis. The average life expectancy for Asian elephants is 44.8 years. - Sapa-AP