The Santa Barbara Zoo authorities have euthanized a 48-year-old Indian elephant last week following its sharp decline in health. Mac came to the USA as part of an exchange program along with another female Asian elephant Sujatha. She was originally born in Mysore, India. She was found orphaned there and was brought to Santa Barbara Zoo when she was 1. Mac passed away just after her companion Sujatha, 47, was euthanized on October 16, 2018, due to problems relating to old age. 

Read: Leopard Spotting: Camouflaged Picture Catches Netizens Out, Post Viral

Little Mac's fall in health

The elephant named Little Mac spent most of her life at the zoo was loved by all. Zoo officials said that she was euthanized in her exhibit yard with keepers and staff. Little Mac had been receiving treatment after she had chronic problems with her teeth informed Julie Barnes, the zoo’s vice president of animal care and health to the media. Besides this, she had arthritis in her legs which also triggered various other medical problems, she added. Mac did not show any signs of depression or behavioural change after Sujatha’s death, Barnes added.

If Mac’s health hadn’t declined suddenly, she was likely to get transferred to another zoo or sanctuary where she would have been introduced to other elephants, the doctor explained. Her death also marked the end of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s elephant exchange program. Despite best efforts, Little Mac reached a point where treatments were no longer effective after which the zoo authorities took the decision to keep her in hospice care, they mentioned in a series of tweets.

Read: Florida: Pit Bull Sacrifices Self To Save Kids From Venomous Snake

Netizens criticize the zoo

Netizens have reacted to Mac's death in wide numbers. Most of them are grief-stricken for losing their beloved elephant whom they visited often during their zoo visits. Yet there is a big group which has criticized the zoo's exchange program. They have blamed the zoo for snatching the elephant's natural habitat in India and bringing it to Santa Barbara. Take a look at the reactions.

Read: Brazil Law Firm Hires Stray Cat To Address Complaints Against It

Also, read: Surfer Has Close Encounter With White Shark, Netizens Shocked