Suzuko is a female Asian elephant who has lived at Hitachi Kamine Zoo since arriving from Myanmar in 1987 at around six years old.
For more than 38 years, Suzuko shared her life with another female elephant, Mineko. The two arrived at the zoo just months apart and spent nearly their entire adult lives together.
On February 1, 2026, Mineko died at the age of 44. The zoo reported the cause of death as circulatory failure.
After more than 38 years with Mineko by her side, Suzuko is now the only elephant left at the zoo. She is living alone for the first time in almost her entire life.
Elephants form deep social bonds and can remember companions for decades. Losing a companion after 38 years is a profound change in Suzuko’s life. We will continue to follow her situation closely and advocate for her welfare as she faces life without Mineko.
Portfolio title photo: Suzuko (left) Good Luck Trip (gltjp.com) © Arukikata Co., Ltd. | © Bringer Japan Z Inc.
