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Cancer diagnosis for Tacoma elephant hits zoo staff hard

54-year-old Hanako was diagnosed with cancer in her foot. It is likely not curable, according to Point Defiance Zoo.
Hanako. (Photo: Point Defiance Zoo)

An elderly Asian elephant at Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma has been diagnosed with cancer in her left front foot, the zoo announced Thursday.

Zoo veterinarians took foot tissue samples in Hanako, 54, to confirm the cancer only the second known case in an elephant.

“We are saddened by this news and will do everything within our power to treat Hanako’s cancer,” Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Deputy Director John Houck said in a release.

He fell in love with elephants when he first started working at Portland's zoo in 1974, and has grown very fond of Hanako since transferring to Tacoma in 1986.

"I think she's the most beautiful elephant in the world," said Houck.

The cancer is likely not curable, and removing the cancer surgically is not possible due its size and location, according to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Head Veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf.

Hanako and her 53-year-old barn mate Suki have both surpassed the median life expectancy for a female Asian elephant, which is 47 years, according to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

Hanako came to Point Defiance in 1997 and will live out her life at the zoo, according to Elephant Manager Shannon Smith.

The zoo is working with a veterinary oncologist and other specialists to develop a long-term treatment plan for Hanako and help prolong her life.

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