The common life expectancy for a feminine Asian elephant is 47 years, the zoo says, making Mary's lengthy life a testomony to the high-quality care she acquired on the facility.

Asian elephants are categorised as an endangered species, in keeping with the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Mary's want for bodily remedy and palliative care "made her a relatable presence for humans experiencing similar ailments", the Zoo mentioned.

San Diego Zoo frequenters shared their disappointment over the lack of Mary. The Instagram consumer Katwoodmac mentioned: "I’m speechless and heartbroken. She was my first friend in San Diego.

"I might drive to the zoo and browse subsequent to her and befriended a volunteer named Lenny.

"Over the summer, he and I would sit on the same bench on Friday mornings and talk about his family and how beautiful Mary was.

"I sat on the identical bench in awe of her even on the loneliest of days. She felt like a pal. She’s so cherished and missed"