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Argentina’s Last Captive Elephant Dies at Brazil Sanctuary as Early Necropsy Points to Likely Tuberculosis

Definitive cause will follow university-led analysis after a preliminary exam found advanced lung damage and other chronic conditions.

Overview

  • Proyecto ELE and the Brazilian sanctuary confirmed Kenya died on December 16 after several days of clinical decline under continuous veterinary care.
  • Preliminary necropsy findings shared by the sanctuary described severe pulmonary lesions highly suggestive of human tuberculosis alongside chronic pathologies from long-term captivity.
  • Sanctuary partners and university professionals conducted the necropsy, with full laboratory results expected in weeks to months.
  • Kenya was transferred from Mendoza in July after seven years of preparation and a roughly 3,500–3,600 km journey, a move that marked the end of elephant captivity in Argentina.
  • The Government of Mendoza said it will seek detailed information on Kenya’s death and the health status of other relocated elephants, as the case follows Pupy’s October death at the same sanctuary.