OKC Zoo euthanizes Asian elephant due to declining health [Video]

The Oklahoma City Zoo announced that an Asian elephant was euthanized on Tuesday due to declining health and age-related issues. >> Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.Zoo officials said Rex, who was about 57 years old, was undergoing care and treatment for advanced osteoarthritis and other age-related issues. Caretakers were monitoring Rex and worked closely with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s veterinary care team to develop a daily geriatric care and treatment program for Rex. Recently, the caretakers saw a decline in Rex’s physical condition, including a significant reduction in his mobility, increased stiffness and discomfort in his legs and feet, as well as difficulty moving around some of the more uneven terrain in his habitat. Zoo officials said those changes were indications of chronic pain or discomfort that were no longer able to be alleviated with medical or physical therapy. The veterinary and elephant care teams …