How Western Australia will honour legacy of Perth Zoo matriarch Tricia the elephant following her death aged 65

The death of Perth Zoo matriarch Tricia – the oldest elephant in Australasia – has left an entire state in mourning.

Perth Zoo matriarch Tricia has died aged 65. Picture: AAP / Angie Raphael

The entire state of Western Australia is mourning the death of Perth Zoo matriarch Tricia the Asian elephant. She was 65.

Tricia was the oldest elephant in Australasia and believed to be among the oldest in the world.

It was revealed this week the “cheeky” icon had been struggling with “age-related complications” including poor sleep and mobility issues.

She died in her night quarters on Wednesday surrounded by zoo staff, some of whom have cared for her for about two decades.

Two other elephants also live at Perth Zoo – female Permai and male Putra Mas – and it is understood Permai refused to leave Tricia’s side for some time following her death.

“Like humans, elephants have a grieving process and Tricia’s loss will be hard for her elephant family,” Perth Zoo said in a social media post.

It is understood the zoo is now working with the WA Museum to find the best way to honour Tricia, who came to Perth from Vietnam in January 1963. There are also reportedly plans for a permanent memorial.

There is already a ferry named after Tricia, who herself was named after a Miss Australia winner.

People in WA are in mourning following the death of Perth Zoo matriarch Tricia the elephant. Picture: Facebook

In a social media post, Perth Zoo said Tricia would forever be in their hearts.

“While we knew the time to say goodbye was approaching, it’s still heart breaking,” the zoo wrote.

“She was cheeky and loved sneaking up on people when she was out walking around the zoo, and had everyone wrapped around her trunk.

“Tricia was an icon of Western Australia and her impact on the millions of people who visited her over the years will certainly not be forgotten.

“Since her arrival at Perth Zoo in 1963, she has helped generations develop an appreciation for elephants and wildlife conservation.”

Senior elephant keeper Steve Edmunds, who has cared for Tricia since 2001, said it seemed inadequate to say it was “an honour and a privilege” to have known her.

“It took a good 12 months before she accepted and trusted me … in the later years she was the most gentle and trustworthy elephant, not only to her keepers, but to every person she met,” he said.

“Tricia was a very playful and vocal elephant to her keepers. She knew we loved it and she pretty much had us all wrapped around her little trunk.

“Tricia communicated with humans more than any animal that I have ever known. She had a sound that we recognised as her whinge.

Zoo keeper Kirsty Carey and senior veterinarian Simone Vitali with then 56-year-old Tricia as she received her daily massage. Picture: AAP / Angie Raphael

“If we did not heed her whinge, she was not above throwing sand, water or even sticks in our direction to remind us that she was talking to us.

“She also had a sound that we referred to as her laugh.

“She would bring this one out when she would sneak up and startle us, when she would whip us with her tail as we walked past her, if we fell over or had some sort of minor mishap, or even when we were having a joke and laughing among ourselves. Tricia would laugh along.”

Premier Mark McGowan said Tricia’s final moments were peaceful.

“Tricia wasn’t just well-known, she was well-loved,” he said in a statement.

“Her stature and her grace were compelling. For many, she was a Perth icon. For six decades, she was an integral part of any visit to Perth Zoo.

“If you lived in Perth at some point in your life then you probably have a memory of Tricia.

“I want to acknowledge and thank all the staff at Perth Zoo who have been humanely caring for Tricia, particularly during the rapid decline in her health.

“Tricia brought such joy to so many people, which is why it was important that in her final moments she was treated with love, dignity and respect.”

Tricia’s birthdays were always a big celebration.

Thousands of tributes and memories of the beloved elephant have been shared on social media, including one from comedian and television personality Rove McManus, who grew up in Perth.

“I am so saddened to hear about the passing of @perthzoo matriarch Tricia the elephant. At 65, she left so many wonderful memories for multiple generations,” he wrote.

“My mum was telling me how she remembers when she was able to ride on Tricia’s back. I have had too many special encounters since I first saw Tricia on a school excursion in Year 4 to even begin to mention, and she was the first live elephant my daughter ever saw and it blew her impressionable young mind.

“It just goes to show the powerful connection we can have to animals and wildlife in general. Sending my absolute best thoughts and wishes to all the staff at the zoo after this most heartbreaking loss.”

Rove McManus is among those mourning the death of Tricia the elephant. Picture: Instagram

In lieu of flowers, Perth Zoo has asked for donations to the Tricia Tribute to Conservation Fund, which has been established to support the zoo’s conservation work and build an elephant guard post in the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem in Sumatra in Tricia’s name.

It will help conservationists monitor and protect one of the last remaining wild herds of Sumatran Elephants.

A special memorial walk will also open at Perth Zoo on Sunday, which will give the community the opportunity to pay their respects and learn more about Tricia’s impact as a conservation ambassador.

Fifty per cent of all ticket sales on Sunday will also go directly to Tricia’s Fund.

It was previously flagged by the zoo that once Tricia died, the other two elephants would be relocated to more open-range style zoos.

But that will not be happening immediately as the zoo will need to find suitable homes for the elephants.