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Kamala was a female Asian elephant that lived in the United States National Zoological Park. She first arrived at the zoo in 2014, and received treatment for osteoarthritis throughout her stay.[1] She was euthanized three days prior to the 2024 United States presidential election, causing media to describe her death as a "bad omen" for Kamala Harris, a presidential candidate that coincidentally shares the elephant's name.
.jpg) Kamala in October 2024 | |
| Species | Asian elephant |
|---|---|
| Sex | Female |
| Born | c. 1975 Sri Lanka |
| Died | November 2, 2024 National Zoological Park, Washington D.C., United States |
| Cause of death | Animal euthanasia |
Life
editKamala was born in the wild in Sri Lanka around 1975, and was taken care of by the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. In 1976, she was sent to the Calgary Zoo in Canada.[2] While residing at Calgary Zoo, she gave birth to two calves. Calvin, a male, was born in June 1986, while Maharani, a female, was born in 1990.[3]
In 2014, Kamala was moved to the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., alongside her herd mate Swarna and Maharani.[4][5] When arriving there, her gait was shifted due to her front legs being knock-kneed and her back legs bowing out, making her predisposed to osteoarthritis. While at the National Zoological Park, she received treatments for osteoarthritis, including anti-inflammatories, joint supplements, and monthly injections aimed at improving her joint health by breaking cartilage and connective tissues.[2][3] She voluntarily participated in training sessions and physical therapy. She was described by the zoo as having "strong bonds" with her keepers, and would rumble and squeak when they approached, showing excitement.[3]
Kamala's condition declined in 2024, with her range of motion becoming more restricted, leading her to stay more often in the same place. She was euthanized on November 2, 2024, two days before the 2024 United States presidential election.[2][6][7] She was estimated to be around 50 years old at the time of her death, an age described as "advanced" by the zoo's staff.[3] After her death, the zoo's other Asian elephants were allowed to spend time alongside her body, with Swarna and Maharani being the last to visit her.[8]
Social media impact
editThe coincidence in name and timing led social media users to link Kamala's euthanasia to the 2024 United States presidential election, with some users describing it as a "bad omen" for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.[1] The event was compared to pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng's prediction of the election winner, choosing Donald Trump out of two labeled watermelon cakes.[1] Harris went on to lose the election.[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Social media reacts as 'Kamala' the elephant dies at zoo days before the election". The Independent. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ a b c Weil, Martin (November 3, 2024). "Aged, arthritic National Zoo elephant is euthanized". The Washington Post.
- ^ a b c d "Asian elephant Kamala dies at Smithsonian's National Zoo". www.aol.com. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ Ruane, Michael (May 23, 2014). "Elephant road trip ends at National Zoo: Trek from Calgary covered 2,400 miles". The Washington Post.
- ^ Ruane, Michael (May 21, 2014). "National Zoo's new elephants on 2,400-mile truck journey from Canada". The Washington Post.
- ^ "Elderly Female Asian Elephant Dies at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute". Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. November 2, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ "Smithsonian National Zoo euthanizes beloved, elderly Asian Elephant Kamala". WJLA. November 3, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ "Kamala, beloved Asian elephant at National Zoo, euthanized after failing health". WTOP News. November 3, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ "Presidential Election Results Map: Trump Wins". The New York Times. November 5, 2024. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 6, 2024.