No more Cuddles: Australia's last African elephant, Taronga Zoo's longest resident dies

Zookeepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo are mourning the loss of their longest-residing animal, an African elephant named Cuddles, who was thought to be 46 years old.

The elderly elephant, who arrived from the United Kingdom for the opening of the zoo in December 1977, died after a recent illness.

Following veterinary investigations the iconic elephant was treated for digestive health issues.

Keepers and veterinary staff had been monitoring Cuddles closely over the past week, but her condition continued to deteriorate.

Vets provided treatment and medications to relieve the zoo stalwart's pain and discomfort and encourage her to eat and drink.

Zoo staff were forced to make the "heartbreaking decision" to put her to sleep to prevent further suffering.

Cuddles was the zoo’s longest residing animal and the last African elephant in Australia. She will be buried in the zoo grounds.

"We are all mourning the loss of this beautiful animal, who was much loved by staff, volunteers and visitors alike," the zoo said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We are all struggling to come to terms with the loss of Cuddles," the zoo said.

"She will be greatly missed and her passing represents the end of an era for African elephants in Australia.

"She loved being the centre of attention and interacting with zoo keepers.

Cuddles was described by the zoo as "a real attention seeker and people pleaser".

Her bio on the zoo's website said the elephant loved to interact with her keepers from her paddock and enjoyed foraging for her food every morning.

"Cuddles also loves to cover herself in dirt or mud if it’s been raining!" her bio read.

She was also known for being the noisiest elephant at the zoo, and would often trumpet loudly and became "very animated" when keepers moved close by.