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NEW BEDFORD — Ruth, the 66-year-old Asian elephant who spent nearly four decades at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, died Friday following a collective decision by the veterinary team and animal care experts to ease her suffering from debilitating arthritis. Her remarkable life left an indelible mark on the zoo’s history and touched the hearts of countless visitors and staff.
Shara Rapoza, the interim director of the Buttonwood Park Zoo, said that veterinary staff first administered rounds of sedatives to help Ruth fall into a deep sleep before proceeding with euthanasia. “It was a very peaceful transition,” Rapoza said. “She was surrounded by all those who loved her most and cared for her.”
Emily, Ruth’s longtime companion and the zoo’s other geriatric elephant, was present throughout the process. She made soft rumbling noises, a form of communication between elephants, as Ruth drifted off to sleep, Rapoza added.
“Ruth was beloved by so many,” Rapoza said in a statement issued by the zoo to announce the elephant’s death. “She touched countless others with her gentle nature, immense strength, and obvious intelligence.”
In October, Ruth entered hospice care as her mobility declined due to age-related issues. The announcement brought an overwhelming show of support, with elementary school children sending handmade cards and community members sharing heartfelt messages and memories on social media.
Ruth (behind) and Emily were known to roam and play in Buttonwood Park years ago. Credit: Buttonwood Park Zoo 
Ruth used to wallow in the pond in Buttonwood Park, seen here in 1999 with Emily just beyond. Credit: Shara Rapoza, Buttonwood Park Zoo 
Emily grew up without contact with other elephants for decades, which scientists now know is like being raised in solitary confinement. Credit: Buttonwood Park Zoo 
The eye of Emily, one of Buttonwood Park Zoo’s elephants. Credit: Eleonora Bianchi / The New Bedford Light 
The old elephant barn that drew citations from the USDA, and forced Emily to move to Louisiana in 1983. Credit: Buttonwood Park Zoo 
Shara Rapoza, Buttonwood Park Zoo’s assistant director and elephant manager, strokes Emily’s trunk. Credit: Eleonora Bianchi / The New Bedford Light
“The outpouring of love and kindness from our community has been absolutely overwhelming — it’s the reason we do what we do,” said Sarah Henry, executive director at Buttonwood Park Zoological Society. “We have been deeply honored and privileged to care for Ruth for as long as we could, and seeing the profound impact she had on the community is incredibly heartwarming for all of us during this time.”
Dr. Emmy Budas, Buttonwood Park Zoo’s veterinarian, cared for the aging elephant daily, administering treatments such as pain medication, cold laser therapy, and pulsed electromagnetic therapy. For a time, Ruth actively participated in her treatments, but as her health steadily declined and her pain worsened, she began to withdraw. Eventually, she stopped engaging with her care routines, said Rapoza. “She was essentially telling us that it was time.”
As December approached, the staff made the tough decision to euthanize Ruth. The elephant’s arthritis had become too severe, and her quality of life could no longer be sustained with treatment.
“With animals we have this beautiful gift called euthanasia,” Dr. Budas said in an interview with The Light in October. “We can end their suffering before they get to a point where they are suffering for too long.”
Both Ruth and Emily far surpassed the average life expectancy of an Asian elephant, which is around 45 years. Staff at the Buttonwood Park Zoo told The Light that they do not plan to bring in new elephants, making Emily, now 61, the last elephant in New Bedford and the sole remaining Asian elephant in New England.
Ruth was laid to rest in her favorite spot in the yard, Rapoza said. A public celebration of her life is planned for the spring. The zoo will remain closed until Jan. 2 to give Emily and staff members time to grieve.
The zoo emphasized that Ruth’s legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, inspiring future generations to respect and protect the wildlife that shares our world. “Rest in peace, Ruthie,” the zoo’s statement concluded. “You were loved beyond words and will never be forgotten.”
Email Eleonora Bianchi at ebianchi@newbedfordlight.org
