Yoyo (elephant)

Yoyo
SpeciesAfrican Elephant
SexFemale
DiedDecember 2024

Yoyo (c. 1970 - 28 December 2024)[1] an African elephant who died at the Barcelona Zoo.[2]

Biography

Before arriving at the Zoo, Yoyo was rescued in 2009 after having spent time in a circus, which caused physical and psychological injuries that required specialized treatment.[1]

She arrived at the Zoo in 2009 as part of an international species conservation program, in which the center participates alongside the Government of Spain.[3] Although her exact birth date is unknown, it is estimated that she was over 54 years old, while the average life expectancy for her species is 39 years.[4] Yoyo was in a cohesive group with two other elderly elephants Susi and Bully. These two were also receiving special treatment from the Zoo and became very close with Yoyo. [5]Her long life and recovery brought attention to the importance of animal welfare and care for rescued wildlife.[6]

Before Barcelona Zoo

Yoyo was an African elephant and the largest land mammal on our earth. Elephants usually live to around 39 years old but Yoyo was expected to be around 54 when she passed. Before coming to the Barcelona Zoo in 2009, Yoyo began as a circus elephant and later moved to an amusement park called Rioleon safari.[7] At these previous homes Yoyo was to be mentally and physically abused by her owners and later made her require lots of attention at Barcelona Zoo.

During Barcelona Zoo

Susi and Bully

After being brought to the Barcelona zoo, Yoyo's life significantly improved. The Zoo, aside from its amazing staff was part of the CITES affiliation that specialized in creating the best housing for rescued animals. Also part of that group were Susi and Bully, both elderly elephants in a similar position to Yoyo. [8] Yoyo was surrounded by supportive staff and animals all throughout her time in Barcelona giving her amazing personality traits and social skills. [9] Before passing, Yoyo's health was on a decline due to her old age but staff at the Zoo provided all the efforts they could to keep her happy and healthy. She was becoming weak as the days went on and there wasn't much else to do. [10]

Impact And Legacy

After Yoyo's passing, Barcelona Zoo gained recognition for its hard efforts to keep Yoyo happy and healthy. The team of zoo keepers as well as Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Service at the Autonomous University of Barcelona now know how to handle similar situations and can prepare effectively in the future. [11] Local officials also recognized the Zoo’s continued leadership in the management and care of aging elephants, noting its contribution to improving welfare standards for endangered species in captivity. Within the Zoo community, Yoyo was remembered for her resilient nature and the positive influence she had on both her companions and the staff who cared for her.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Congostrina, Alfonso L. (2024-12-28). "Muere Yoyo, una de las tres elefantas del Zoo de Barcelona". El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  2. ^ "Yoyo, the world's longest-living African elephant, dies in Spain". Canal 26. 28 December 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  3. ^ "Yoyo, the world's longest-living African elephant, dies at the Barcelona Zoo". Metrópoli. 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  4. ^ "Yoyo, the world's longest-living African elephant who lived at the Barcelona Zoo, dies". Ara en Castellano. 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  5. ^ Pavesio, Luís (2024-12-28). "Yoyo, the world's oldest African elephant, dies at the Barcelona Zoo". Noticias Ambientales. Retrieved 2025-10-12.
  6. ^ "Yoyo, the longest-lived elephant in the world, dies". zoobarcelona.cat. 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
  7. ^ "Oldest elephant on Earth, Yoyo, dies in Barcelona zoo at 54". www.catalannews.com. 2024-12-29. Retrieved 2025-10-18.
  8. ^ "Yoyo, the longest-lived elephant in the world, dies". zoobarcelona.cat. 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
  9. ^ "Yoyo, the longest-lived elephant in the world, dies". zoobarcelona.cat. 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
  10. ^ Pavesio, Luís (2024-12-28). "Yoyo, the world's oldest African elephant, dies at the Barcelona Zoo". Noticias Ambientales. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
  11. ^ "Yoyo, the longest-lived elephant in the world, dies". zoobarcelona.cat. 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
  12. ^ "Yoyo, the longest-lived elephant in the world, dies". zoobarcelona.cat. 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
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