Six Flag Discovery Mourns Passing Of Elephant

VALLEJO (CBS13) – Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is in mourning after the passing of their female Asian elephant named Bertie Mae last week.

The elephant was 34-years-old. Six Flags officials told KPIX that Bertie Mae suffered a non-recoverable injury to her hind leg and had to be euthanized. Elephant experts from across the country were consulted before the decision was made, officials note.

Six Flags posted the following message about Bertie Mae on their Facebook page:

"We are in deep mourning over the recent passing of Bertie Mae. She was a beloved individual who touched millions of people in her lifetime, inspiring them with her sweet personality and wonderful nature. She had a special bond with her trainers and was much loved by all. She will be sorely missed."

Most Asian elephants die earlier than their 60-year life expectancy in the wild, according to the National Zoo.