Woodland Park Zoo Press Release

Visit the Hansa Memorial Page
Press Release: Zoo’s elephant Hansa dies unexpectedly

Seattle - – In honor of Woodland Park Zoo’s 6-1/2 -year-old elephant Hansa (HAHN-suh), this year’s financial support of elephant conservation will be presented next week to an elephant conservation project in Borneo. The female Asian elephant unexpectedly passed away Friday.

Asian elephant "Hansa"
Photo: Ryan Hawk

On Monday, Woodland Park Zoo’s Conservation Director, Dr. Lisa Dabek, will head to Southeast Asia with an $8,500 check in hand that will be presented in Hansa’s name to the Kinabatangan Elephant Conservation Unit in Borneo. The long-term goal of the project is to reduce the rate of human-elephant conflicts through conservation research, local community involvement, and local education and awareness on elephant conservation needs.

Additionally, all donations to the zoo during the week of June 11 not specified for other purposes will be earmarked for elephant conservation and research. Donations can be made by visiting www.zoo.org and clicking on “Conservation” and “How you can help.”

“ Hansa was a symbol of hope and a true ambassador for her species. She deeply touched our lives and she inspired many of us to help elephants and other animals,” noted Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen.

Jensen said the outpouring of support for the zoo, its employees and volunteers has been very touching. The zoo invites the public to participate in a celebration of Hansa by sending in memories and stories online at “Hansa’s Memorial Page” (see link above), or by leaving tokens of affection for Hansa or zoo staff at the Thai Pavilion within the elephant exhibit, or outside the zoo’s South Entrance at N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N.

Staff and volunteers will have a private gathering this week, during which time the zoo family may view and share the many touching stories received from the public. These stories and tributes will later be made available to the public.