Indian elephant Artaida, which is the oldest animal in Sofia Zoo, has passed away. The female elephant died at the age of 58, Sofia Zoo announced on its Facebook page. 

Over the past 10 years, Artaida has received special daily care under the guidance of world elephant specialists. The elephant underwent a thermal imaging exam in December, and the results were normal for an adult elephant. 

Gradually, however, the elephant lost appetite and began to eat less than usual. This is a huge loss for Sofia Zoo, because Artaida was an iconic and much-loved animal for 18 years. Earlier, Artaida was a circus elephant. Later, the animal was placed in a zoo in Gelsenkirchen (Germany). However, Araida could not socialize with the other elephants and was taken to Sofia Zoo.

The management of Sofia Zoo is negotiating with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) to receive Indian elephants in the near future.