THE death of Melbourne Zoo's baby elephant Sanook appears to be the result of a tragic accident.
Melbourne Zoo director Kevin Tanner said CCTV footage last night showed Sanook getting stuck in a large suspended tyre he was playing in at 7pm.
"Sanook managed to manoeuvre it in an unusual way that caused his head to become caught," Mr Tanner said.
"This placed pressure on his neck and would have prevented him from breathing."
Mr Tanner said a post-mortem was carried out his morning, confirming the tragedy.
"This is a tragic accident that has left our keepers, vets and staff community devastated," Mr Tanner said.
The tyre had been one of the calf's favourite toys, as it had been for his siblings Mali and Ongard.
The zoo said tyres were commonly used in zoos around the world "as an approved form of enrichment for elephants".
Mr Tanner thanked the Melbourne community for its outpouring of condolences, and his zoo staff for their professionalism in the face of the devastating situation.
The Asian elephant calf, which would have celebrated his first birthday in January, was found by zoo staff this morning.
Sanook snuggles into his mum Num-Oi. Source: News Limited
Sanook was seen "playing energetically and suckling from mother Num-Oi as usual yesterday, with no indication of any illness," the zoo said.
Sanook was the youngest of three calves born at the zoo.
Sanook tries to grab hold of slippery bamboo sticks with his trunk. Source: News Limited
More than 4000 Victorians voted to name him in a Herald Sun competition earlier this year, choosing Sanook which means fun-loving and cheerful.
Victorian Environment Minister Ryan Smith said he was "saddened to hear" about Sanook's passing.
"Thoughts are with the dedicated staff at Melbourne Zoo," he tweeted.
Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence today.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the death was "very sad".
Sanook was the first child for Num-Oi, who came to Melbourne Zoo from Thailand in 2006 with two other female Asian elephants.
The calf weighed 131kg when he was born after a gruelling four-day labour in January.
He was conceived by artificial insemination.
Mr Smith described Sanook as "cheeky, confident" and fun-loving earlier this year.
Sanook weighed in at 245kg when just two months old. Source: News Limited
samantha.landy@news.com.au
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