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Scotland's only African elephant dies aged 54

News imageBernie Catterall Mondy, a female African elephant at the safari parkBernie Catterall
Mondy had been at Blair Drummond Safari Park since 1998

The only African elephant in Scotland has died at her home at Blair Drummond Safari Park, aged 54.

The park said Mondula, known as Mondy, was put to sleep after a recent spate of ill-health related to age-related complications.

She had lived at the park since 1998 after being transferred from Erfurt Zoo in Germany.

The park said their "beloved" elephant would be "much missed."

Mondy's companion Toto died aged 46 in March 2016.

Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) had called for Mondy to be moved to a sanctuary following Toto's death.

However, the park said the decision was made to house Mondy on her own as it was thought this was the "best solution for her individual needs."

News imagePA Media Two elephants inside an enclosure at a safari park try to take fruit from baskets hanging over their headsPA Media
Mondy and Toto were together for almost 20 years

The park said Mondy had six full-time keepers dedicated to her wellbeing.

Head elephant keeper Suzie Marshall said: "Mondy was so beloved here and she will be much missed.

"Her legacy is, however, a very important one.

"Having spent nearly half her life here with us at Blair Drummond, Mondy has allowed us to develop one of the most comprehensive elephant care plans in the country.

"Today, it stands as a benchmark for the care of the remaining stock of elephants in captivity."

African elephants live for an average of 60 to 70 years in the wild.

The RSPCA said the average life expectancy of African elephants in European zoos was 16.

The park said Mondy was born in 1971 and was thought to be a wild-caught orphan calf.

It said: "Sadly, the practice of taking young animals from the wild was common at the time, and this traumatic start left Mondy with a number of specific challenges for those caring for her."

The park's managing director Hector Muir said: "As well as being a hugely-beloved character here at the park, Mondy also played an important part in our ongoing work to protect some of the world's most-endagered species.

"During our years with us, she's taught us so much and we're so very proud of what we've achieved together.

"Her keepers have shown exceptional dedication to her care and it's been a privilege to watch her thrive.

"And now it's an honour to say a very sad farewell to this special lady."