Mimi, a beloved elephant at the Denver Zoo, died Tuesday.

Mimi, who was believed to be 53 years old, was euthanized Tuesday evening after she began to have difficulty standing and lost the ability to move her trunk, according to a news release from the zoo.

Zookeepers had kept a close eye on the Asian elephant during the past several months. She was placed in hospice care in August, as her health began to decline and she began refusing food and medication.

“This is an incredibly sad loss for Denver Zoo and our community,” said Craig Piper, president of the zoo. “A member of our family for more than half a century, she was a wonderful, charismatic ambassador to countless zoo guests. Words cannot describe how much she will be missed by us all.”

During her final months, Mimi chose to spend most of her time in a private outdoor yard in the Toyota Elephant Passage, hidden from the public by screens.

Her health began to quickly deteriorate in the past few days.

“We made a promise to her to keep her comfortable and decided it was time to say good-bye,” said Brian Aucone, vice president of animal collections at the zoo.

Believed to be the seventh oldest elephant in a North American zoo, Mimi was often referred to as the “grand dame” of the Denver Zoo. She arrived at the zoo in 1961.

In memory of Mimi, the zoo will offer the public opportunities for friends and the public to share their thoughts and memories at the zoo and on the Denver Zoo’s Facebook page.

Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794, jsteffen@denverpost.com or twitter.com/jsteffendp