Flavia was dubbed the “saddest in the world” (Image: FACEBOOK) Flavia was put to sleep last week at the age of 47 after months of deteriorating physical health and depression. The elephant collapsed in her enclosure at Cordoba Zoo and was not able to pick herself up. She tragically spent 43 years in captivity with no other elephants for company. Related articles Heartbreak as Vicky the orangutan dies aged 34 Rescued Lion Kings feel the welcoming green grass of their new home Flavia was separated from her herd at the age of three and taken to live at the zoo. Spanish animal charity PACMA had been campaigning for her to be moved to a new home with other elephants. PACMA’s president Silvia Barquero said: “During all those years she has been alone and captive in the Cordoba Zoo. “We hope no animal will ever go through this again.” Flavia lived on her own at Cordoba Zoo for more than four decades (Image: FACEBOOK) The zoo announced Flavia’s death with “great sadness” on Friday, The Local reported. In a press conference, Amparo Pernichi, the councillor in charge of Environmental issues at Cordoba City Hall, said: "Her death is a tremendous blow in general for the zoo family, especially for Fran and Javi who had been her carers in the last moments, and also for Silvia, who took care of her previously. “During the last six months, Flavia’s physical condition had deteriorated, but especially so in the last two weeks.” Elephants can live for up to 70 years in the wild. Related articles Elephants dodging poachers' bullets by losing their tusks Brexit race on to save rescued circus lions Elephants are sociable and intelligent animals with long memories. They live in family units made up of female elephants and calves. The leader of the group is known as the matriarch and is often the oldest female. Males leave their family groups when they reach puberty and may live alone or with other males.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility