PHOTOS: A look back on cherished Perth Zoo Asian elephant Tricia’s life

brandsauthority July 6, 2022 World News Leave a comment 50 Views

It’s a sad time for many West Australians as they say goodbye to Perth Zoo’s beloved female Asian elephant, Tricia.

Tricia died aged 65 on the evening of July 6, after a rapid deterioration of her health.

In a heartbreaking statement, Perth Zoo said Tricia “passed away peacefully tonight, surrounded by her loving and dedicated zoo keepers, some of whom have looked after her for decades”.

“Tricia was one of the oldest elephants in the world, and while we knew the time to say goodbye was approaching, it’s still heartbreaking,” the statement said.

While the Perth matriarch is gone, she will forever live on in the hearts of zoo patrons who visited her over the past six decades.

“She has helped generations develop an appreciation for elephants and wildlife conservation,” Perth Zoo said in their farewell tribute.

“Tricia was an icon of Western Australia and her impact on the millions of people who visited her over the years will certainly not be forgotten.”

The early days

Tricia was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on January 24, 1957, and arrived at Perth Zoo in 1963. The beautiful Asian elephant was named after the 1962 Miss Australian winner Tricia Reschke. Check out a few snaps from her early days at the South Perth zoo below.

The South Perth Zoo welcomed two new ‘vacuum cleaners’ - baby elephants Tanya and Tricia in 1963. They are pictured with keepers Harold Brooke of Rivervale (left) and Jim Ashwin of Queens Park. — Camera IconThe South Perth Zoo welcomed two new ‘vacuum cleaners’ – baby elephants Tanya and Tricia in 1963. They are pictured with keepers Harold Brooke of Rivervale (left) and Jim Ashwin of Queens Park. Credit: WA News

Keepers and visitors to Perth Zoo are bracing for the worst following news an iconic resident’s health was in steep decline. — Camera IconTricia as a youngster in 1965 alongside another elephant, Tanya. Credit: Supplied

Tricia the elephant at Perth Zoo. 1981 — Camera IconTricia the elephant at Perth Zoo in 1981. Credit: The West Australian

Small cages. Perth Zoo, elephant cage. Tricia the Elephant is shown here. 19th April 1982 — Camera IconPerth Zoo’s Asian elephant Tricia in her small cage back in April 1982. Credit: The West Australian

Zoo elephant Tricia gets a taste of her new home guided by keeper Mark True. Photo by Tom Dann. 18 September 1986 — Camera IconZoo elephant Tricia gets a taste of her new home guided by keeper Mark True in September 1986. Credit: Tom Dann/The West Australian

Tricia with former trainer Harold Brooker when he retired in 1980. Photo taken 25 May 1988. Tricia the elephant — Camera IconTricia with former trainer Harold Brooker, who retired in 1980. The photo was taken later on 25 May 1988. Credit: The West Australian

Beloved by all

Over the years, Tricia became hugely popular among both zoo visitors and zoo keepers.

“She was cheeky and loved sneaking up on people when she was out walking around the Zoo and had everyone wrapped around her trunk!” Perth Zoo said in a farewell tribute.

Devastated West Aussies took to social media earlier in the week to pay tribute to the animal, after learning she was nearing the end of her life.

Perth Zoo's Jody Polson with Tricia the elephant. — Camera IconPerth Zoo’s Jody Polson with Tricia the elephant. Credit: Perth Zoo

Keeping warm at the zoo. Matriach elephant Tricia gets a snuggle with keeper Claire Stratford under the warmth of a heater in the sleeping den.
Picture: Sharon Smith The West Australian 31 July 2009 — Camera IconKeeping warm at the zoo. Matriach elephant Tricia had a snuggle with keeper Claire Stratford under the warmth of a heater in the sleeping den on 31 July, 2009 Credit: Sharon Smith/WA News

Perth Zoo elephant keepers, Kirsty Carey and Claire Stratford take Tricia the Asian elephant for her daily walk through the zoo's picturesque grounds. Picture: Bill Hatto/The West Australian 26 March 2009 *** FAIRFAX ONLINE OUT *** — Camera IconPerth Zoo elephant keepers, Kirsty Carey and Claire Stratford took Tricia the Asian elephant for her daily walk through the zoo’s picturesque grounds on 26 March 2009. Credit: Bill Hatto/WA News

A natural artist

Some animal lovers even have art by Tricia in their homes, with the elephant becoming known for spraying paint through her trunk to create unique pieces, which are sold to help charities that protect endangered Sumatran elephants.