That morning the keepers at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle had found her collapsed in her outdoor exhibit. Efforts to try to get her back on her feet failed. Her condition worsened, and the humane decision was made to euthanize her. I was saddened when I heard the news that day, and I knew that many others would be as well, including Chai and Bamboo—her elephant companions. But Watoto's passing brought up more than just sadness in others—it re-ignited the touchy issue of whether elephants should be kept in captivity at the Woodland Park Zoo (or in captivity at all, anywhere). But Watoto had her own message to share.