Apparently they're not gonna replace her, likely extending it into the giraffe paddock. It'll be a shame but then the paddock really isn't big enough by today's standards and is a sound decision imo.
The best thing they could do is borrow a couple of youngsters (sex immaterial) from Howletts to give her some company. Then maybe send them back again or make a fresh policy decision when she dies.
At the time of Gays death, the zoo said that Duchess has eyesight problems so they would not be introducing another elephant for fear of her being bullied. Looks as though she'll have to spent the rest of her time by her self.
I think it was 1977 when they both arrived at Paignton. They were the last mixed species pair in the UK. Other than Bristol in the 60s to 80s, did any other zoos hold mixed species of elephant in the same exhibit?
