The animal's passing, which occurred exactly one year after the death of the elephant Yoyo, was attributed by Barcelona Zoo veterinarians to Susi's advanced age. She significantly surpassed the average life expectancy for African elephants in captivity, which is around 39 years. The park closed for the entire day as a sign of mourning.
Susi arrived in Barcelona in September 2002. Her subsequent solitude became a catalyst for animal rights campaigns. After her companion Alicia died in 2008, Susi was left alone, prompting the launch of the "Free Susi" platform. This movement increased social pressure against the zoo, leading the management to expand facilities and specialize in geriatric elephant care.
“"We want to highlight the work and effort of the entire team of keepers at the Barcelona Zoo who have accompanied Susi throughout all these years."
Following Susi's death, the Zoo activated the established protocol in collaboration with the Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Service of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Currently, only the elephant Bully, aged 42, remains in the enclosure. This event occurs as the Barcelona Zoo faces a transformation plan with a 2030 horizon, focused on global biodiversity preservation.
