TAMPA, Fla. – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay She is mourning the loss of her Asian elephant named Rosie.

The average lifespan of female Asian elephants is 45-47 years, according to the theme park. Rosie was 54 years old when she passed away.

Rosie has exceeded the average lifespan of a female Asian elephant. Image courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

The theme park said the care team met his many needs and gave him the attention he needed at his advanced age.

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Busch Gardens says Rosie helps educate millions of guests each year about the threats facing their wild counterparts and contributes to research efforts to ‘better understand elephants around the world and provide insight into how to help them.’

Busch Gardens staff say Rosie leaves a huge hole in their hearts. Image courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

“Animal care professionals will miss her excited trumpets on the first day when the autumn chill is in the air, the way she makes every food seem like it’s her favorite, the adorably intense eye contact during every interaction and ‘Rosie Rumbles,'” the theme park said in a social media post. “It was a sound he made when he was excited to see them. Even though he was the smallest member of our pack, he left a big hole in our hearts.”

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