Kaohsiung: The southern city of Kaohsiung's Shou Shan Zoo announced Sunday that it is mourning the death of one of its longest-tenured residents, African elephant Ali, after the animal was found dead Saturday. She was 52.

According to Focus Taiwan, though she was relatively old, the zoo said the female elephant had not shown any abnormal conditions before her sudden passing. The zoo plans to consult the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology for an autopsy to determine the cause of Ali's death, as per a press release.

Ali became a part of the zoo when she was transported from the United States at the age of five in 1978, the same year the zoo was founded. Over the years, she became an iconic figure and an essential part of the memories of Kaohsiung residents. Ali was present when the zoo moved to its current location in Gushan District in 1986.

She was well-loved by visitors for her "clever and somewhat naughty personality," often testing the patience of her zookeepers, the press release noted. Two zookeepers fondly remembered her as "wise, gentle, and delicate-hearted."

In a heartfelt Facebook post, the zoo bid farewell to their cherished elephant: "Dear Ali, thank you for accompanying Shou Shan Zoo throughout your life. Your mission is complete. Now go for a happy walk in heaven."

Elephants are among the longest-living land mammals, with a wild lifespan of about 60 to 70 years. However, their lifespan in captivity is usually shorter, often around 40 years, as noted by Elephant Aid International (EAI), a U.S.-based NGO focused on the welfare of captive elephants.