Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s ‘one-of-a-kind’ African elephant dies

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KXRM) — Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 37-year-old African elephant, Malaika, was given a final resting place on Saturday after a years-long struggle with health issues.

On Friday night, Malaika was unable to get back up on her own, according to CMZoo. Trained staff, along with the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue Team, were able to successfully lift her with a specialized overhead lift, but she was still unable to stand.

“The outcome was one that we have anticipated and dreaded for a long time,” said CMZoo.

Malaika was humanely euthanized midday Saturday. She was remembered as one of the…