Overview
- Yagiyama Zoological Park announced on November 21 that the male African elephant Ben died at about 12:20 p.m.
- Ben had shown declining health since last autumn and his walking slowed around November 14.
- His final outdoor appearance was on November 17, and he could not stand on his own on the morning he died.
- The zoo said the cause of death is under investigation, and staff expressed gratitude for public support.
- A public flower altar will be set up at the zoo starting November 23, and female elephant Mary remains the country's oldest African elephant at an estimated 59.