Saying goodbye to Kashin

Saying goodbye: Tayla Ranger, aged 8 (right) and Jodie Dickens aged 7.

From City Scene, published on 6 September, 2009.

With the admission fee waived for the day, nearly 19,000 people visited Auckland Zoo last Sunday to say goodbye to Kashin.

Her final resting spot was also open to the public for the occasion, which visitors marked with flowers, cards and a few elephant treats.

Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks, welcomed what was the largest ever crowd to visit the zoo, and shared his memories of the beloved 40-year-old Thai elephant.

Councillor Graeme Mulholland, chairperson of the Auckland Zoo Board, thanked those who have donated money to Kashin's conservation fund, which assists endangered Asian elephants in the wild. "We greatly appreciate any donations. Kashin was a wonderful advocate for elephants in the wild, and we hope her legacy will continue for years to come."

If you would like to make a donation to the Kashin Elephant Conservation Fund, you can do so at the zoo, any branch of ASB Bank or via internet banking (Kashin Elephant Conservation Fund account: 12-3205-0127076-00).