46-Year-Old Elephant Dies at Tyler Zoo

Chico, a 46-year-old elephant at Tyler's Caldwell Zoo, has died.

Hayes Caldwell, executive director of the zoo, said Thursday that Chico, who died Saturday at the zoo, will be missed. Caldwell says the elephant had the respect of those who worked with him.

Dr. Steve Wilson of the Glenwood Animal Hospital in Tyler tells the Tyler Morning Telegraph that Chico weighed more than 14,000 pounds. Wilson cared for Chico while he was at the Tyler zoo -- from 2003 until his death.

Chico came to Tyler from the San Diego Zoo.

Caldwell says Chico died suddenly and there were no signs of illness.

A necropsy has been performed but Caldwell says the cause of death is still undetermined, pending further test results.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us