We’re incredibly sad to announce that our much-beloved African elephant Mondula has passed away. After a recent spate of ill-health linked to age-related complications, we made the decision to gently put Mondy to sleep this morning. Mondula was 54 years old and had called the park her home for the last 28 years. The entire team are devastated by the loss of Mondula (or Mondy to her friends). She was such a big character and will be missed very much, especially by her keepers who remained dedicated to her care, right to the very end.
Mondy came to Blair Drummond in 1998 from Erfurt Zoo in Germany. It’s thought that she was born in 1971 and was a wild-caught orphan calf. Sadly, the practice of taking young animals from the wild was common at this time, and this traumatic start left Mondy with a number of specific challenges for those caring for her. Blair Drummond were able to offer Mondy a home for life and, thanks to her, the park has subsequently become one of the leading facilities for the care of geriatric female elephants.
Mondy had six full-time keepers dedicated to her wellbeing, and her rehabilitation story is a real source of pride for the whole team at the park. Head Elephant Keeper Suzie Marshall said:
“Mondy was a very cherished member of our Blair Drummond family and will be much missed. Her legacy is, however, a very important one. Having spent nearly half her life with us here, Mondy has allowed us to develop one of the most comprehensive elephant care plans in the UK. And today, it stands as a benchmark for the care of the remaining stock of elephants in captivity.”
In 2013, we built one of the most cutting-edge elephant houses in Europe. The facility was specifically designed to cater for elderly female elephants. These individuals, living outside the desired family herd structure, were likely to face additional behavioural challenges. We understood that addressing the psychological needs of these elephants was just as crucial as caring for their physical ailments.”
On the whole zoos and safari parks aim to keep elephants in natural herd structures. Mondy did initially live with two other female elephants, Estrella and Toto. However, Mondy’s lack of exposure to a stable family herd structure during her formative years undoubtedly affected her ability to form close bonds with other elephants.
When Estrella passed in 2013 and Toto in 2016, the decision was made to house Mondy alone, as this was thought to be the best solution for her individual needs. Following this, her relationship with her keepers deepened, as did her willingness to participate in training, which provided her with greater mental stimulation. Her physical condition also markedly improved, surprising even expert veterinary consultants and animal behaviourists. Leading elephant expert Professor Phyllis C. Lee from the University of Stirling commented:
“Her improvement in all aspects of physical appearance and behaviour was marked, with good and visible muscle development in her forelegs, and her sway-back is now completely gone. I can only commend the Large Mammal team at Blair Drummond for the work they have put into encouraging her to stretch, move, balance and use her muscles both indoors and out.”
Mondy overcame so much in her early life and we were honoured to be able to care for her as she aged. She was a very sweet character and her keepers have fond memories of her quirky behaviours. For example, like many ladies of a certain age, she didn’t like to leave home without a packed lunch! When out and about in her enclosure she would often pop a little bit of food on her shoulder to eat later. She always enjoyed her daily training too, and would usually be waiting at the gates for her keepers at the start of each session. Mondy was so patient during training, particularly with new staff, though once they’d found their feet she loved to test them a little.
Managing Director of the park Hector Muir, paid tribute to Mondy and the dedicated work of her keepers:
“As well as being a hugely beloved character here at the park, Mondy also played an important part in our ongoing work to protect some of the world’s most endangered species. During her years with us, she’s taught us so much and we’re so very proud of what we’ve achieved together. Her keepers have shown exceptional dedication to her care and it’s been a privilege to watch her thrive. And now, it’s an honour to say a very sad farewell to this special lady.”
RIP Mondula
1971 – 2026