THE elephant family of Sanook is in mourning after the tragic death of Melbourne Zoo's baby elephant.
Keepers have reported the elephant herd are showing strong signs of grief huddling together in their enclosure three days after the calf's death.
The herd was allowed to spend several hours with Sanook's body before it was removed by staff.
Sanook's mother Num-Oi is in mourning. Picture: David Caird
Sanook's mother Num-Oi is spending long periods of time away from the group and has been unusually quiet as she mourns the loss of her calf.
At two and a hand months Sanook’s bond with his mum Num-Oi was strong. Source: HeraldSun
Sanook at two-and-a-half months.
In the wild, elephants are known to grieve the loss of loved ones similar to humans, often spending days at the scene of a death.
Melbourne Zoo spokeswoman Judith Henke said despite all the elephants not being related by blood the herd were showing obvious signs of grief.
Sanook waits at the barn door with Mali, wondering where her calf is. Picture: David Caird
"It is just so sad,'' she said.
"They are still sitting very sad.
"The mother Num-Oi has been spending a lot of time on her own. The herd seem strongly focused on looking after the other mum who is expecting a calf.
"I feel shell-shocked, everybody feels it around the zoo.''
Melb. Zoo says Num-Oi is struggling with grief. Source: HeraldSun
CCTV footage on Tuesday night showed the tragic accident.
Sanook was playing with a tyre - his favourite toy - when he became stuck around 7pm.
A post mortem on Wednesday morning confirmed the baby elephant had become caught and died from the pressure on his neck.
Sanook was the youngest of three calves born at the zoo.
Zoo staff who are devastated at Sanook’s sudden passing have been offered counselling. Source: HeraldSun
The Asian elephant calf, which would have celebrated his first birthday in January, was found by zoo staff.
The calf weighed 131kg when he was born after a gruelling four-day labour in January and was still suckling from his mother.
Zookeepers are stunned by the death and have been offered grief counselling.
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