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Although probably not related to the global mass animal deaths, North America's oldest elephant, Taj, has died at 71. She outlived her species' life expectancy by almost two-fold.

Taj spent 33 years as part of the animal crew at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California. She had a distinguished career stacking logs, playing tug-of-war and giving rides in daily performances for visitors. (More on TIME.com:

Before moving to the Bay Area, Taj traveled the world with Circus Vargas, participated in religious ceremonies with the Hare Krishnas and received training in a Southern California program.

Most likely born in Southeast Asia, Taj's journey to the U.S. is a mystery. No record exists of her before 1970, although the Association of Zoos and Aquariums lists her birth year as 1940. (More on TIME.com:

• ZOE FOX