ASHEBORO, N.C. (WECT) \u2014 C\u2019sar, the North Carolina Zoo\u2019s longest-tenured resident and the oldest African bull elephant in the United States, died Dec. 19 at 51 years old.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
C\u2019sar arrived at the North Carolina Zoo on July 25, 1978, at around four years old after being orphaned in Kenya. He was the zoo\u2019s 27th animal resident and its first elephant.<\/p>\n
\u201cC\u2019sar was a living piece of history and a beloved member of our Zoo community,\u201d said Diane Villa, interim director of the North Carolina Zoo. \u201cHis gentle presence and remarkable story introduced millions of guests to the wonder of wildlife and the importance of conservation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zoo officials say C\u2019sar 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.<\/p>\n
The elephant participated in yoga several times a week to maintain strength, balance and flexibility as he aged.<\/p>\n
\u201cMeeting C\u2019sar up close and getting the chance to feed him was a highlight in my first year in this role,\u201d said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell.<\/p>\n
C\u2019sar 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\u2019s conservation efforts in west Africa, including satellite tracking collars, anti-poaching initiatives and community-based conservation strategies.<\/p>\n
\u201cC\u2019sar helped people understand why conservation matters,\u201d said Rich Bergl, deputy director and chief mission officer of the zoo. \u201cBecause of him, guests have felt a personal connection to the challenges faced by wild elephants.\u201d<\/p>\n
The zoo did not produce offspring during C\u2019sar\u2019s lifetime despite hopes for breeding.<\/p>\n
The zoo will plan opportunities for the community to honor C\u2019sar\u2019s memory. Donations to The C\u2019sar Legacy Fund can be made through the NC Zoo Society.<\/p>\n
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