Bioparc Valencia has announced the tragic news of the death of Miri, one of the adult female African savanna elephants. The incident occurred after an unforeseen accident during routine group interactions, an event the organization has described as «truly devastating» for the entire team of park professionals.
According to an official statement from Bioparc, the incident took place while the group of pachyderms was carrying out their daily activities. During an interaction with the male elephant, he accidentally caused an injury to her brachial artery with one of his tusks.
“"The professionalism of the team allows us to face this situation and move forward due to our commitment to the rest of the individuals."
Despite the immediate intervention of the veterinary and animal care team, the severity of the resulting hemorrhage made it impossible to save the elephant's life. The center highlights that the staff is «very affected», especially those caregivers who worked daily with Miri, dedicating their vocation and affection.
Following the loss of Miri, the Bioparc team has focused on ensuring the well-being of the rest of the group. Current efforts are centered on monitoring the stability of the two remaining adult females and, especially, the two calves born at the park: Makena and Malik, aged three and two respectively.
Miri's death is a severe blow to the European Preservation Program for the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana), in which Bioparc Valencia plays a prominent role. The situation of this species is critical: 96% of the global elephant population has become extinct in just one hundred years.
In this context, Bioparc follows the global 'One Plan Approach' strategy, endorsed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This approach comprehensively values both animals in their natural habitat and those under human care, considering them an essential «reserve population» to prevent the definitive disappearance of the species.
The Bioparc Foundation emphasizes that, despite this «terrible event», the commitment to saving elephants from extinction does not diminish. The park's two calves represent hope and long-term genetic viability, now serving as «the best incentive» to continue their scientific and conservation work.
