VALLEJO, Calif., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The oldest Asian elephant in North America has died at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif., at age 71, officials said.
Taj the elephant had been with Discovery Kingdom since 1978 when the entertainment venue was known as Marine World, KGO-TV, San Francisco, reported Tuesday.
The quality of life for the female pachyderm had declined significantly during the past weeks, park officials said in a statement.
"Taj was a remarkable elephant that touched millions of people over the course of her long life," park President Dale Kaetzel told the Vallejo Times Herald.
Senior elephant trainer Nick Way said Taj was "the kind of unique soul you hope to be lucky enough to encounter once in your lifetime."
"No matter what was going on, you could always count on Taj being excited to see you," Way said.
Taj, born in 1940, performed with Circus Vargas in the early 1970s.
In 1976, Taj was given to the Hari Krishnas, who used her as a symbolic part of their religious ceremonies.
In 1978, she came to Marine World where she gave people rides and would meet and greet park guests.
Throughout her life at the park, Taj was the attraction's primary animal ambassador, park officials said.
