ASHEBORO, N.C. (WECT) — C’sar, the North Carolina Zoo’s longest-tenured resident and the oldest African bull elephant in the United States, died Dec. 19 at 51 years old.
The elephant died peacefully under the care of zoo experts who had been monitoring his health as age-related conditions progressed, according to zoo officials.
C’sar arrived at the North Carolina Zoo on July 25, 1978, at around four years old after being orphaned in Kenya. He was the zoo’s 27th animal resident and its first elephant.
“C’sar was a living piece of history and a beloved member of our Zoo community,” said Diane Villa, interim director of the North Carolina Zoo. “His gentle presence and remarkable story introduced millions of guests to the wonder of wildlife and the importance of conservation.”
Zoo officials say C’sar faced several age-related medical challenges, including arthritis and declining vision. In 2011, he became the first elephant in the world to undergo successful cataract surgery and later became the first to receive custom-fitted contact lenses.
The elephant participated in yoga several times a week to maintain strength, balance and flexibility as he aged.
“Meeting C’sar up close and getting the chance to feed him was a highlight in my first year in this role,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell.
C’sar served as an ambassador for African elephants, a species that remains vulnerable in the wild due to poaching, habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. His presence supported the zoo’s conservation efforts in west Africa, including satellite tracking collars, anti-poaching initiatives and community-based conservation strategies.
“C’sar helped people understand why conservation matters,” said Rich Bergl, deputy director and chief mission officer of the zoo. “Because of him, guests have felt a personal connection to the challenges faced by wild elephants.”
The zoo did not produce offspring during C’sar’s lifetime despite hopes for breeding.
The zoo will plan opportunities for the community to honor C’sar’s memory. Donations to The C’sar Legacy Fund can be made through the NC Zoo Society.
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