Grant's Farm African Elephant, Bud, Dies Of Infection

ST. LOUIS, MO — Bud, an African elephant living at Grant's Farm since 1986, has died of a respiratory infection, according to a press release from Anheuser-Busch. The farm, built by former president and civil war general Ulysses S. Grant in 1848, is home to the Budweiser Clydesdales and other animals, including three other elephants: Mickey, Toby and Max.

"Like all of our animals at Grant’s Farm, Bud received weekly check-ups and routine testing that did not show any signs of infection," Anheuser-Busch said. "We are doing additional testing with our veterinarians and with independent animal health experts to confirm the exact type of infection and any additional precautions we should take to maintain the health of our animals. We expect to have more information soon and will keep the community updated on what we learn."

The elephant's age was not provided, but Bud was at least 32 years old. African elephants can live 60 to 70 years in the wild, but life-expectancy for zoo-born animals is much lower, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"The quality of care we provide all of the animals at Grant’s Farm is of the utmost importance," the release said. "We are keeping a close eye on our elephants, including Mickey, who is currently living with a brain tumor. Mickey continues to be a vibrant part of the Grant’s Farm family, but we know she, along with fellow elephants Toby and Max, will greatly miss Bud."

Grant's Farm expressed their sadness on Facebook: