06/22/2007

Associated Press

There was no obvious cause of death for a six-year-old elephant at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

The zoo says preliminary post-mortem findings are inconclusive. More tests are being run.

So far, the zoo has ruled out gastric obstructions, genetic or nutritional diseases, cancer and salmonella. There's no evidence of a bacterial infection.

Tissue and blood samples have been sent to labs and other zoos around the country for tests that will take several weeks.

Hansa (HAHN'-suh) died June eight after only showing mild symptoms of inactivity and loss of appetite. Three other elephants remain at the Seattle zoo.