In memory of Indu
The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation (ACNC)/Phoenix Zoo family is saddened to share the passing of 59-year-old female Asian elephant, Indu.
Indu was undergoing treatment for chronic osteoarthritis and age-related illness. Her care team had been managing her conditions with daily medication as well as treatments such as hydrotherapy, laser therapy and physical therapy. Recently it had become more challenging to manage her discomfort, and her mobility had been declining. With her increasing physical limitations, Zoo veterinarians and keeper staff recognized her regressing health and made the very difficult decision to humanely euthanize her this morning, Thursday, May 8. She passed peacefully in the comfort of familiar surroundings, encircled by those who loved her most, her dedicated care team.
“Indu was a truly remarkable elephant who touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to know her,” says Bert Castro, President and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo. “Her gentle spirit, intelligence and resilience inspired not only our staff but also the millions of guests who visited her over the years. Her legacy will live on through the stories we share, the connections she helped people form with wildlife and our continued commitment to the highest standards of animal care. She will be profoundly missed.”
“Indu has captivated the hearts of guests and staff alike with her gentle nature and immense presence,” says Heather Wright, Elephant Collection Manager. “Indu has made and continues to leave an indelible impression on all who have the privilege to care for her and the guests who have had the joy of seeing her. We thank you for your support and condolences during this difficult time.”
“There is much uncertainty in the world today, but one thing is certain. The elephant Indu lived and thrived under the compassionate care of dedicated and expert professional staff at the Phoenix Zoo. Her 59 years of life is a testament to the focus on animal care and wellbeing that is a hallmark of the Phoenix Zoo and all AZA-accredited members,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “The Phoenix Zoo has been AZA-accredited since 1981, reflecting its commitment to achieving and maintaining the global gold standard for modern zoos and aquariums. We offer our sincerest condolences to the staff who have cared for her, as well as our admiration and appreciation for how they supported her in growing old with grace and dignity.”
At 59 years old, Indu was an elderly elephant. The average life expectancy for an Asian elephant in an AZA accredited zoo is 48 and her age is evidence of the world class care she received from her keepers and medical staff.
Indu arrived at the Phoenix Zoo in 1998 and quickly became a beloved ambassador for Asian elephants, a species classified as endangered due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Her story brought awareness to the challenges elephants face in the wild and inspired countless guests to advocate for conservation efforts.
Throughout her years at the Zoo, Indu formed a deep connection with her caretakers, who dedicated themselves to providing her with the best care possible. She was known for her curious and independent spirit.
Her imposing stature was matched only by her gentle demeanor, and she brought smiles to the faces of countless guests, from wide-eyed children seeing an elephant for the first time to lifelong Zoo supporters who came back time and again to visit her. In honor of Indu, we hope fans will share their photos and memories of her on our social channels @phoenixzoo.
The Phoenix Zoo community mourns the loss of Indu but takes solace in the profound impact she had on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. We will honor her memory by continuing to advocate for the protection of her wild counterparts and supporting conservation efforts including AZA’s Asian Elephant SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program to ensure a brighter future for elephants everywhere.
Indu – you will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will continue to inspire compassion and action for the natural world.
In Memoriam: Words from Indu's Keepers
Indu, my love, I’m not sure I know how to live my life without you being a part of it. You were the very first elephant I was introduced to about 26 years ago when I was working as a keeper on another trail. I will never forget that day- I was just in awe of your size and more impressively, your overall presence. The way your soul invaded mine with just one knowing look. I had always thought it would be fun to work with elephants one day but meeting you that day solidified it- I knew it was something I needed to try. In May of 2000, I was lucky enough to be hired as one of your keepers- I pretty much immediately fell in love and never looked back.
I know I will never be able to look at a lemon and not think of you, your zest for them after your showers always made me smile. The way you would peek under your ear to look at us when we were behind you trying to get your attention, but you didn’t want to let us know you really were listening. Your sweet ear tapping when you were happy, your boisterous trunk banging on all the areas of the barn you had learned made the best noises, your squeaks, your rumbles, your roars. Your over the top excitement when I would show up to work a night event after you thought everyone had gone home for the night. All the quiet moments we spent together, just you and me. Your excitement upon meeting Chutti for the first time and watching how much you loved having him in your life.
Indu, you were my first, and will likely be my last, elephant love. Thank you for introducing me to this incredible life. Thank you for loving me and teaching me so many important life lessons. Thank you so much for being such a huge part of my life, it truly was one of my biggest blessings. Thank you for letting me love you, you were and always will be one of my greatest loves.
-Heather
I met Indu the year after my Mom passed, a time when I was just getting by. I had just started my career at the Phoenix Zoo as a relief keeper. Back then, I had my future all mapped out—I was set on working with primates, and I didn’t think anyone, or anything could change my mind.
Then I met three incredible elephants who completely transformed my life. One of those ladies became my best friend.
I vividly remember the first day I stood eye to eye with Indu. That silent exchange between us was more powerful than words. A relationship with an elephant is something you feel; it lives in your chest. That day, she handed me a clump of dirt (gifting is her love language). A few months later, she spit a gallon of Gatorade in my face (pranking is also her love language). From that moment, I was a goner. I’ll never forget the smile on her face, followed by my cackling laugh. I’m pretty sure that’s the day we both fell in love. Since then, we’ve shared countless laughs and precious, quiet moments. She’s been my confidante, my teacher, and my source of comfort when I needed it most.
Indu, my sweet girl—you’ve taught me more than I ever expected. How to be strong. That it’s okay not to be okay. And that sometimes… you don’t have to apologize.
Loving you has been a privilege; it’s been an honor knowing that you loved me just as much. I don’t know what you saw in my soul that first time we met, but I thank the universe that you knew I needed a lifeline, and without reservations, you threw it.
I will forever cherish our silent conversations. Your soft rumbles, your ear taps, your roar, your squeaks, the way you blew those sweet rumbles right into my face. The smell of your trunk, your trumpet echoing in the barn, and the joy you brought to everyone with your playful heart.
My life won’t be the same without you.
You’ve taken a piece of my heart with you; keep it safe and warm. You can give it back when I see you again.
-Stevie
Doodlebug – what can I say? You were unique right from the start. I’m your last first elephant caretaker here at the Phoenix Zoo and will miss you always. I’ll always remember your “talk to me” sounds and how excited you would get banging on doors and whatever would make reverberating noises. You definitely put new elephant keepers, including me, through our paces, but we are all better for it. I’ll miss your big head and even bigger personality. Being a part of your “herd” was an honor and I am grateful to have been a part of it for 27 years.
-Kara
Indu,
Hi big girl.
I can’t tell you how much I already miss you.
I think you’re the only one who ever liked my singing. In our secret quiet moments, La vie en rose, and in our loud ones, simply shouting your name.
I’ve adored spoiling you. I’ve always said I’m happy to do so, and you deserve it every time. You are so beautiful and so strong. I can’t say how much you’ve meant to me, so I’ll just remind you how I love you.
I love you.
So so much.
See you later baby.
-Madison
I was lucky enough to get to work and spend one on one time with Indu. She was sassy, strong-willed and funny. She always knew how to keep you on your toes but had a sweet side that she reserved for the ones closest to her. I will miss her little squeaks, and little taps telling me she wanted to play. The random trunk twirls when she was hyped and being loud in the barns together. Things will not be the same without her and I just feel extremely blessed to have been a short part of her life. She will be dearly missed and will forever be part of my memories.
-Leslie
I never thought you could learn so much from an animal, but Indu has taught me a great deal. She has taught patience, and to stand my ground for what I know is right, but to also keep it fun and lighthearted. For the little time that I have known Indu, she became one of my best friends and every second I had with her was not only frightening at sometimes, but some of the best times of my life. Indu will be dearly missed by everyone she has touched.
-Caleb
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