SHAWNEE COUNTY —Staff at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center are mourning the loss of a beloved elephant.
Cora, the Zoo’s 67-year-old Asian elephant was humanely euthanized following a recent and more rapid decline in her health, according to a statement from the zoo.
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. 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.
“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.”
Throughout the process, African elephant Tembo has remained at the forefront of the Zoo’s focus. Elephants form bonds & can sometimes show signs of grieving. To allow her to process, Tembo was given time to view Cora after she had passed. While she has not shown any major change in behavior, we will closely monitor Tembo to ensure she has the support she needs now and in the future.
At 55 years old, Tembo is geriatric and has been at the Topeka Zoo since the 70s, arriving when she was a 6-year-old juvenile. "Every day we have with her is a gift."