1 Of Oldest African Elephants In North America Euthanized

SAN ANDREAS, Calif. (AP) - The Performing Animal Welfare Society says one of the oldest African elephants in North America has been euthanized in California because of chronic degenerative joint and foot disease.

PAWS President Ed Stewart says 46-year-old Iringa was euthanized Wednesday at the society's sanctuary in San Andreas.

Born in Mozambique in 1969 and captured before age 2, Iringa was one of seven elephants shipped to the Toronto Zoo. There is only one still living and that is Toka, who is 45.

Toka, Iringa and Toronto-born Thika came to the sanctuary in October 2013 when Toronto ended its elephant program.