OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Zoo is to celebrate the life of a beloved baby elephant.
The 4-year-old Asian elephant, Malee, unexpectedly died the morning of October 1.
She had a viral infection called EEHV.
Malee was one of the most popular animals, and many were saddened to say goodbye.
“She was beloved by not only the zoo family and Oklahomans but also people from around the world,” zoo officials said in a press release.
Now, an event is being hosted in the elephant’s memory.
‘Celebrating Malee‘ will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
“This day will offer the public an opportunity to remember the special life of Malee and the joy she brought all ages,” zoo officials said.
Malee's Celebration Sunday, Oct. 18. Please join us in celebrating our beloved girl's life. http://t.co/VJi0vDCHSu pic.twitter.com/DnbRrYosBC
— Oklahoma City Zoo (@okczoo) October 15, 2015
The come-and-go activities are on zoo grounds, and admission is required.
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Card signing for zoo staff (inside main turnstiles)
Opportunity to leave memories and pictures of Malee (ZooZeum)
Ongoing Malee tribute video (ZooZeum) - 11:30 a.m. – Elephant demonstration (Elephant Pavilion)
- 2 p.m. – Elephant demonstration (Elephant Pavilion)
- 3 p.m. – Tree planting ceremony (ZooZeum lawn)
- 3:45 p.m. – Flower remembrance (Elephant Boardwalk)
To honor her signature trunk ‘kiss’ paintings, Malee buttons will be on sale in the zoo retail shops for $1 with net proceeds benefiting EEHV research.
