January 18, 2011

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom bids fond farewell to Taj, oldest Asian elephant in North America  

71-year-old female passes away

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom today announced the passing of its beloved female Asian elephant, Taj.  At 71, she was the oldest elephant in a North American facility.  Over the past several weeks, Taj’s quality of life had declined significantly and she died on January 17.  

“Taj was a remarkable elephant that touched millions of people over the course of her long life,” said Dale Kaetzel, Park President. “We are truly in mourning for this loss; words cannot describe how our entire staff is feeling, in particular the elephant trainers who worked with her every day for years.  She enjoyed a long and fruitful life, and in the 33 years she lived at our park, we all learned so much from her.”  

Most recently, she lived with other Asian elephants: 46-year-old Liz and 30-year-old Bertie Mae, and African elephants 33-year-old Tava and 29-year-old Valerie, who showed due respect to the matriarchal (but not dominant) figure of the group.   

“Taj is the kind of unique soul you hope to be lucky enough to encounter once in your lifetime,” said Nick Way, senior elephant trainer.  “She was patient and gentle; a role model for young elephants and young trainers alike.  No matter what was going on you could always count on Taj being excited to see you.  She taught many of us what it means to care for an elephant – the dedication required, and how to put another’s needs first.  Over the years she became family to many of us.  Throughout her time here she wowed, educated and touched generations of park guests and employees.  She loved to perform and to be around the public, and our guests responded in kind.  Like all of the trainers who were fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time with her, I loved her deeply.”
 
Background  

Though Taj’s exact birthdate is unknown, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan studbook for elephants lists her birth year as 1940. No known records exist of her early years from birth until the early 1970s, when she served as one of the lead elephants for Circus Vargas.   

As a performing circus elephant from 1970-1976, she traveled throughout the country with world-renowned elephant trainer Rex Williams. In 1976, Taj was presented to the Hari Krishnas, who used her for a brief time as a symbolic part of their religious ceremonies. Unable to manage her due to her mischievous nature and high energy level, they sent her to Southern California’s Moorpark College where she participated in their Exotic Animal Training Management program.  

In 1978, Taj was transferred to Marine World (the original name of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom), when the park was located in Redwood City. She was trained to give elephant rides and meet and greet park guests. During this time, she served as an “auntie” to young elephants, an ideal match for many younger pachyderms because of her nurturing nature and strong maternal instincts.

  In 1985, Taj – and the entire animal collection – relocated to the new facility in Vallejo, then known as Marine World Africa USA. Throughout the years, Taj was the park’s primary animal ambassador.  Before she was retired, she participated in the log demonstration show, stacking logs and “playing” tug-o-war with guests. Both activities were part of her daily exercise routine.   

Personable and easy going, Taj was a favorite among her trainers over the years, and responded well to attention and being around people.  She was always trusting with the trainers she knew for years and formed unique bonds with them. She would often present one of her front or rear legs, let out a deep rumble and wait for a rub down. Taj learned to paint with a brush in the late 1990s and was a very proficient canvas painter.   

Last year, in recognition of Taj’s milestone 70th birthday, staff honored her with a birthday “party,” where she was presented with a bread-based, multi-tiered cake topped with her favorite fruits and vegetables.  

A necropsy will be performed at U.C. Davis.  Vital information can continue to be gleaned from her scientifically, as she will contribute to research studies to benefit elephants in the years to come.  

“Taj was special,” said Way. “One of the sweetest elephants you’ll ever meet in your life.  She’ll be infinitely missed.”  

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Six Flags Over Texas, the company’s flagship location, is celebrating its 50th anniversary season in 2011.