TOPEKA (KSNT) – At 67 years old, the Topeka Zoo said it was saddened to euthanize one of its Asian elephants named Cora. She was known for her role in the movie “Smokey and the Bandit II”.
On Sunday, Oct 5, zoo staff saw its Asian elephant Cora behaving lethargically, choosing not to eat or drink and being restless.
“After no signs of improvement throughout Monday, her well-being was assessed on Tuesday- and the decision was made to say final goodbyes,” the zoo wrote in a press release. “Cora passed peacefully, in the company of her adoring care team.”
Cora arrived in Topeka in 2016 where she could enjoy her golden years in the company of local zookeepers and other animals. She previously appeared in the movie “Smokey and the Bandit II” as the elephant Charlotte.
Cora celebrating her 65th birthday. Photo provided courtesy of the Topeka Zoo.
The zoo said Tembo, a 55-year-old African elephant and Cora’s companion, was given time to look at Cora after her passing to help process the loss. Tembo is 55-years-old, geriatric and has been at the Topeka Zoo since the 70s.
“Every day we have with her is a gift,” the zoo wrote.
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Zoo animals that have passed away recently include the following:
- Ryker the painted dog – Oct. 3, 2024
- Ho Ho the sun bear – Nov. 25, 2024
- Cassy the mountain lion – March 11, 2025
- Erin the armadillo - March 17, 2025
- Liz the giraffe – Aug. 24, 2025
- Leopold the cheetah – Sept. 24, 2025
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