Sad news from Poland

Katka

We were recently approached about whether Pangea might be able to help an elephant in Poland, and we’re sorry to share that she has since passed away.

Katka was an African elephant at Gdańsk Zoo. Wild-born around 1970 – like Julie and Kariba, taken from the wild as a young calf – she had spent more than fifty years in captivity. She came to Gdańsk in 2006 from a zoo in France, where she shared her enclosure with an Asian elephant called Vicky who was rescued from a French circus. The two are entirely different species, and they didn’t get along.

As this relationship deteriorated further, the zoo were concerned for Katka’s welfare and were considering her options. Their greatest concern was her mobility and physical health.

Sadly, Katka’s health declined, and she was euthanised last week. Our thoughts are with those who cared for her and we appreciate their efforts to help her.

Rest well, Katka.