Keeper bids his farewell

Andrew Coers comforts Burma. Photo / Janna Dixon

Zookeeper Andrew Coers knew the day was coming when he'd say goodbye to Kashin the elephant.

But when it came to asking her to lie down for the final time, the words "over, Kashin" stuck in his throat. "It was the hardest thing I've ever done," he said.

"I couldn't get my words out. I just had to take a big breath and do it."

Then, the 40-year-old Asian elephant was put to sleep.

Coers, one of a team of four keepers caring for Kashin and her younger companion Burma, said they didn't expect to lose her so soon. She was euthanased at Auckland Zoo on Monday.

"We knew her health was deteriorating, but we didn't think it would be as sudden as it was."

Kashin suffered from arthritis, foot abscesses and skin infections, and had gone downhill rapidly over the previous three days.

On Monday the team agreed that her pain was too great. About 5pm she was asked to lie down and given favourite foods to eat before being sedated, then euthanased.

Kashin was born in captivity in Thailand, and brought to the zoo in 1972, aged four. She was joined by Burma, who is now 26, in 1990.

Coers said the pair had different personalities, but over time had become very close.

"When she got a fright, the first thing Burma would do was run to Kashin and stand behind her."

The younger elephant had coped well with the loss, but was clearly grieving. "She's a little distant. She'll go to where Kashin was lying and just hang there."

Thoughts have already turned to finding her a new companion, which may now happen within six months.

The zoo is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on fast-tracking the arrival of a female from the European breeding programme. Eventually, the zoo aims to extend the enclosure and establish a breeding herd.

Today is the only chance to pay respects at Kashin's final resting place, in a part of the zoo not usually open to the public. Entry is free from 9.30am to 5pm. Large crowds are expected so visitors are asked to be patient.