Topeka Zoo Mourns the Loss of Beloved Asian Elephant, Cora
The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is deeply saddened to share that Cora, the Zoo’s beloved 67-year-old Asian elephant was humanely euthanized following a recent and more rapid decline in her health. Her caregivers made this difficult but compassionate decision out of love and respect for her well-being. Cora passed peacefully, surrounded by her devoted zoo family — the people who knew her best and loved her most. Cora was one of the oldest Asian elephants in human care in the United States, living far beyond the average life expectancy for her species.
Cora’s story is one of both extraordinary longevity and cultural legacy. Before calling Topeka home, Cora enjoyed a brush with Hollywood fame, starring as “Charlotte” in the 1980 hit film Smokey and the Bandit II, which became the eighth highest-grossing movie of that year. Her gentle personality and intelligence made her a natural performer, and she remained a fan favorite for decades.
After her film career and traveling lifestyle, Cora joined the Topeka Zoo family in 2016, where she retired from the entertainment business and became an ambassador for her species and a cherished part of the community. Her presence embodied the heart of the Zoo’s mission: inspiring wonder, compassion, and connection to wildlife.
Over her years in Topeka, Cora captured the hearts of countless guests and animal care professionals. Despite experiencing two significant health scares in recent years, her resilience and the expert, compassionate care of her animal care and health teams allowed her to continue living a long, comfortable life filled with enrichment, love, and attention.
“Cora will be deeply missed,” said Fawn Moser, Chief Operating Officer of the Topeka Zoo. “She lived a long and beautiful life, and her impact on everyone who knew her—keepers, guests, and fans around the world—will never be forgotten. Her story reminds us of the deep bonds we share with the animals in our care.”
In her later years, Cora’s well-being was the Zoo’s highest priority. Her care team worked around the clock to monitor her comfort, provide specialized nutrition and veterinary oversight, and adjust her habitat to meet her evolving needs as a senior elephant. Their deep dedication, love, and expertise allowed Cora to live out her final years with dignity and grace.
Our hearts are now with Tembo, the 55-year-old African elephant who lived alongside Cora. Her caregivers are closely observing her behavior during this time of change, and any decisions about her care will be made with her health, comfort, and emotional well- being as the top priorities.
The Topeka Zoo family extends heartfelt gratitude to the animal care staff and veterinary professionals who devoted their hearts and talents to Cora’s health and happiness. Their compassion exemplifies the Zoo’s commitment to the highest standards of animal wellbeing and the profound relationships formed through a lifetime of care.
