Northern Ireland

Belfast Zoo patrons recall 'fond childhood memories' after death of Tina the elephant

Tina the elephant arrived at the zoo in 1966
Tina the elephant arrived at the zoo in 1966 Tina the elephant arrived at the zoo in 1966

AN ELEPHANT housed at Belfast Zoo for more than 50 years has died.

Tina arrived at the zoo in 1966 and aged 54 was one of the oldest elephants at the zoo.

She collapsed in the early hours of yesterday morning, and staff and a vet took the "very difficult decision" to put her to sleep.

In a statement yesterday evening, the zoo said staff were "extremely saddened by the death of much-loved Asian elephant, Tina".

"At age 54, Tina was one of the oldest elephants living in the zoo arriving in 1966," it said.

"Tina collapsed in the early hours of this morning and the very difficult decision was made by the zoo and veterinary staff to put her to sleep."

The zoo will remain open as normal, but the elephant house will be closed until further notice.

Many over the zoo's visitors who saw Tina over the years expressed their sympathies online.

One woman wrote on Facebook: "We saw Tina every year! I'm so shocked and sad. RIP big lady."

Another Facebook user said: "Poor Tina, my parents used to bring me and my siblings to see her when we were tiny."

One woman described having "lovely childhood memories" of visiting Tina, while another internet user wrote: "Remember as wee boy seeing her. Sad to hear this."

Expressing her sympathies, one woman said: "I am 35-years-old and remember being brought to see Tina aged five. RIP beautiful lady."

Tina was one of the oldest elephants at the zoo
Tina was one of the oldest elephants at the zoo Tina was one of the oldest elephants at the zoo