Yoyo (elephant)

Before arriving at the Zoo, Yoyo was rescued in 2009 after having spent time in a circus, which caused physical and psychological injuries that required specialized treatment.^[1]

She arrived at the Zoo in 2009 as part of an international species conservation program, in which the center participates alongside the Government of Spain.^[3] Although her exact birth date is unknown, it is estimated that she was over 54 years old, while the average life expectancy for her species is 39 years.^[4] Yoyo was in a cohesive group with two other elderly elephants Susi and Bully. These two were also receiving special treatment from the Zoo and became very close with Yoyo.^[5] Her long life and recovery brought attention to the importance of animal welfare and care for rescued wildlife.^[6]

Yoyo was an African elephant and the largest land mammal on our earth. Elephants usually live to around 39 years old but Yoyo was expected to be around 54 when she passed. Before coming to the Barcelona Zoo in 2009, Yoyo began as a circus elephant and later moved to an amusement park called Rioleon safari.^[7] At these previous homes Yoyo was to be mentally and physically abused by her owners and later made her require lots of attention at Barcelona Zoo.

After being brought to the Barcelona zoo, Yoyo's life significantly improved. The Zoo, aside from its amazing staff was part of the CITES affiliation that specialized in creating the best housing for rescued animals. Also part of that group were Susi and Bully, both elderly elephants in a similar position to Yoyo.^[8] Yoyo was surrounded by supportive staff and animals all throughout her time in Barcelona giving her amazing personality traits and social skills.^[8] Before passing, Yoyo's health was on a decline due to her old age but staff at the Zoo provided all the efforts they could to keep her happy and healthy. She was becoming weak as the days went on and there wasn't much else to do.^[9]