SANFORD, Fla. – Despite heavy hearts, the workers and volunteers at the Central Florida Zoo continue forward, enlightening visitors to the zoo about the lives of the various species of animals with which we share our planet.
Mary, one of the oldest elephants in the United States, passed away March 3 due to age-related illness. At 63 years of age, Mary was a fixture of the zoo’s weekend elephant shows.
The announcer of the show Laura Miller said, “She will be sorely missed. She was such a gentle animal.”
Every Saturday and Sunday Miller picks up a microphone and speaks to a crowd of onlookers, perched on wooden bleachers, under an awning that blocks out the hot, Florida sun. She educates them on the importance of the conservation of elephants and their habitats.
Miller speaks to the crowd about the “intelligence and beauty” of elephants, both at the zoo and in the wild.
Sanford resident Lydia Weston said, “We have annual passes and we always loved seeing Mary."
“I’m not sure my children understand that she’s gone.” She lightly patted the heads of her young son and daughter who stood by her side.
Maude, the zoo’s other elephant, continues to perform in the empty void left by her counterpart.
At the direction of her trainers, Maude performs feats that get the crowd cheering. She moves giant logs with her trunk, stands on a tiny stool on only two of her immense feet, and lifts one of the trainers gracefully into the air.
“I’m glad that they didn’t cancel the show,” said Ashley Reichert. “I was really sad when I heard the news and I really appreciate what they do here.”
For more information on the zoo, its residents and workers, and the conservation efforts visit: http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/.
