‘The saddest elephant in the world’ passes away

Washington: The "saddest elephant in the world" has died of depression and loneliness in Spain. Cordoba Zoo mourned her death and posted a tribute to their long-term resident on their Facebook page.

Flavia, the Indian elephant who was taken from her home at the age of three and kept at the Corboda Zoo in Spain had lived in solitary confinement for 43 years without interacting with her species despite various animal groups trying otherwise, reported People magazine.

The solitary confinement of over 43 years is what earned her the title of "the saddest elephant in the world" from animal rights group in the country; People cited a Euro Weekly report.

As per local reports Flavia collapsed in her exhibit on March 1 and was unable to get up. She had been quite ill and severely depressed past couple of months and was later euthanised so that her life of loneliness could be over peacefully.

While she was alive, many animal rights group tried to lobby for her to be moved to a zoo, sanctuary, or safari park where she could actually meet others of her species. In recent months an animal rights group called Pacma was trying for Flavia to be moved to a safari park in another part of Europe to help with her health. Sadly, that day never came.