Hanako, ‘World’s Loneliest’ Elephant, Dies at Age 69 in Japan

An elephant dubbed the “world’s loneliest” has died in a Japanese zoo at the age of 69, according to reports this week.

Hanako has lived by herself in the Inokashira Park Zoo in Tokyo since 1954. The elephant was given to Japan by the Thai government in 1949.

“She passed away quietly and calmly”, said Kiyoshi Nagai, the head of of the zoo, reported Kyodo News agency. “It is truly regrettable. She was the most loved elephant in Japan. I am grateful to all the people who loved her”.

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