Lucky to be alive Elsa has arrived at Bideford Zoo to convalesce.

An eight year old Indian elephant, weighing nearly two tons, she developed a rheumatic condition in her front legs during her stay in a European zoo. The complaint was considered incurable and it was decided that she must be put down.
But Mr Jimmy le Blond, of London, a well known supplier of animals to zoos, decided that something might be done for her. Elsa eventually responded to intensive treatment and round-the-clock care, and she has been sent to Bideford to recuperate. She will be treated by a local vet.
Still stiff in the front legs, she was encouraged to leave the horse box, after a trip made longer by weekend traffic, by her keeper, David Flowers, who had travelled with her. She has become strongly attached to Mr Flowers, who was at one time head keeper at Chessington Zoo, Surrey. He will be staying with her to try to ensure a complete recovery.
Article dated 9 June 1972