The Ramat Gan Safari in central Israel has bid farewell to an icon, the elephant Bahati, who has died at 65, and was one of the oldest recorded female African elephants in the world.

Born in 1961 in a nature reserve in Tanzania and transferred to another zoo before reaching the safari, she became the maternal leader of the herd after the death of her predecessor, Atari, carrying out her role with intelligence, nobility, and sensitivity, according to safari staff.

Her keepers said she had a captivating personality and loved to play, especially with tires she was given for enrichment.

During her long life, Bahati bore five offspring. With 52 descendants, she made a great contribution to the European zoo breeding nucleus.

Her first calf, Yossi, was the first elephant born in Israel. He grew up to be one of the largest elephants in any zoo in the world and is a key contributor to Bahati’s lineage.

The safari said Bahati’s venerable age was a badge of honor for the team of veterinarians and........

© The Times of Israel