The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute announced the loss of Kamala, a cherished Asian elephant who served as both a beloved zoo member and an advocate for her species. After a decade-long effort to manage Kamala’s osteoarthritis, the elephant care team made the decision to humanely euthanize her on Nov. 1. Kamala, believed to be around 50 years old, had reached an advanced age for her species, making her loss especially poignant for her caregivers and supporters.
Kamala was recognized for her strong bonds within the zoo’s elephant community and with her keepers. Known for her inquisitive nature and leadership within the herd, she brought a unique presence to the zoo. Her keepers recall how she would respond joyfully to their approach with distinct rumbles and squeaks, sounds signifying her happiness.
Kamala’s life was impacted by osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects many aging animals, causing pain and stiffness. When Kamala arrived at the National Zoo in May 2014, she already displayed unusual leg structures: her front legs were knock-kneed, and her hind legs were slightly bowed. This altered gait placed added strain on her joints, which over time exacerbated her susceptibility to arthritis. Despite the challenges, Kamala’s caretakers were committed to improving her quality of life through a variety of therapies.
The elephant care team employed multiple techniques to alleviate Kamala’s discomfort, including injections aimed at preserving cartilage, improving joint fluid, and reducing inflammation. Intra-articular therapies, including the use of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, were also used to slow the progression of her osteoarthritis. Additionally, Kamala received non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, pain medications, and joint supplements as part of her treatment.
Throughout her years at the zoo, Kamala was a willing participant in her care routines. She voluntarily engaged in physical therapy and routine training sessions, which allowed the keepers to observe her mobility closely. As Kamala’s osteoarthritis advanced, her physical limitations became more pronounced. Despite efforts to adapt her environment and encourage movement, her range of motion in her wrists, hips, and shoulders decreased significantly, ultimately impacting her quality of life.
In recent weeks, it became evident that the medications and therapies were no longer sufficient to manage Kamala’s pain. With her quality of life deteriorating and the potential for adverse side effects from long-term medication, the zoo’s animal care team made the difficult decision to euthanize Kamala in the Elephant Barn.
Following her passing, Kamala’s herd mates were given the opportunity to interact with her remains. Research indicates that this behavior allows elephants to recognize the loss of a herd member and participate in a form of grieving. Herd mate Spike was the first to approach Kamala, gently inspecting her head, mouth, and trunk. Other elephants, including Bozie, Trong Nhi, and Nhi Linh, followed, demonstrating calm and respectful behavior. Kamala’s daughter, Maharani, spent an extended time near her mother’s body, gently blowing into her mouth and nudging her head. The elephant team then placed Spike, Swarna, and Maharani together for the evening, noting that the herd peacefully resumed their daily routines.
Kamala was born in the wild around 1975 in Sri Lanka and spent her early years at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage before relocating to the Calgary Zoo in Alberta, Canada. Her life story includes her significant contributions to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which guides the conservation of endangered species in zoos across North America. Kamala’s legacy extends through her offspring, including her son Calvin, who fathered numerous calves, among them Kandula, born at the National Zoo and now residing at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Asian elephants, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, face threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict. Their populations are estimated to range between 30,000 and 50,000 individuals in their native habitats across South and Southeast Asia.
For over five decades, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has played a leading role in Asian elephant conservation. The institute’s work spans biological and behavioral studies, genetics, and the challenges of human–elephant interactions, among other areas. Their collaborations with global institutions and governments place them at the forefront of efforts to ensure a future for Asian elephants both in managed care and in the wild.
Kamala’s presence will be deeply missed by her caretakers, who remember her not only for her individual personality but for her contributions to the conservation and understanding of her species. Her legacy endures, as the zoo continues to advance its mission to protect and study these remarkable animals.
