Ruby, African Elephant: In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM:
RUBY, THE GENTLE MATRIARCH OF PAWS AFRICAN ELEPHANTS.
February 18, 1961- March 29, 2011

(San Andreas, CA) On May 15, 2007, the Los Angeles Zoo delivered Ruby, a 46-year-old African elephant, to ARK 2000, PAWS 2,300-acre sanctuary in San Andreas, California, to live in retirement with PAWS' other African elephants. Within days, Ruby had socialized with the other elephants and became an important member of the group, roaming the hills and foraging on the grassy slopes with her new friends. Ruby became the respected and beloved matriarch of the group over the next few years, and was often seen on top of the hill, ears flared, guarding her companions with the fierce determination of a wild elephant matriarch.

Everyone who worked with Ruby was mesmerized by her beautiful eyes and her gentle disposition. She will be missed by elephants, caregivers and her many fans who were privileged to share her life.

At 50 years of age, Ruby was one of the oldest African elephants in captivity.

Ruby died at 6 p.m. on March 29. Her veterinarian, Dr. Jackie Gai, PAWS director, Pat Derby, and the entire elephant staff were with her when she passed. REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND.

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Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• African Elephant
• Ruby
• PAWS
• Elephant Sanctuary
• LA Zoo
• captive elephants
• circus elephant
• Pat Derby
• Ruby the Elephant
• wildlife sanctuary

[animalcompassionate]

Such a beautiful tribute. Does anyone know the name of the song played? It was touching.

[cambridgeratmom]

RIP, beautiful girl. You were loved by ele and human alike. Your last years were good ones. Kisses on your trunk!

[Rakshaming]

RIP Ruby.

[BARSMAT]

you gave here a short taste of what she should have had her whole life. mnow shell have it forever.................... thanks to you she knew not all humans are soulless and abusive . i know you and the other elephants are grieving for her. i hope they will be ok, and i know you will carry on for them. god bless you. rest in peace wonderful ruby,. we will miss you so much.

[untalan99]

what a beautiful tribute to her, thank you to PAWS for giving her a taste of what it felt like to be free and a part of a pack, although it was short, she got to feel it. My heart goes out to the pack she leaves behind because of how close elephants are, they will feel her abscence greatly...good bye Ruby...now you are truly free..

[untalan99]

what a beautiful tribute to her, thank you to PAWA for giving her a taste of what it felt like to be free and a part of a pack, although it was short, she got to feel it. My heart goes out to the pack she leaves behind because of how close elephants are, they will feel her abscence greatly...good bye Ruby...now you are truly free..

[cherylcoleman0609]

I live in L.A. and have been following Ruby's journey since she lived here. I became one of her adoptive sponsors and was planning a trip to PAWS to the "Seeing the Elephants" event in September. Sadly I will not have the opportunity to meet her. Thank you for taking such good and loving care of this beautiful soul.

[prettydell]

I am happy that Ruby had a wonderful last few years of her life. It would have been just awful if she was still in the zoo and never got to know real happiness. Thank you PAWS and all who made this possible. We love you Ruby. We will miss you. 

[friendsofmaggie]

I am deeply saddened to hear of Ruby's passing. Rest in peace, dear Ruby. Our only consolation is that you were able to live out the last years of your life in the beautiful sanctuary of PAWS, surrounded by your African sisters and caring human friends.

In tribute to Ruby and her kind, may we soon see a day when elephants no longer suffer from abuse and exploitation and can at last live free and in harmony with

humankind. Warm rumbles dear Ruby.

[tomntmj]

Never "met" Ruby, but know of the great work PAWS does. Lots of tears watching this wonderful video tribute for one of God's great creatures. Rest in Peace Ruby.