8 and 6-year-old Send Love Letter (and Money) to Buttonwood Park Zoo in Honor of Ruth the Elephant

In December, New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park Zoo shared the heartbreaking news of Ruth’s passing, the beloved elephant that lived to be 66 years old.

Ever since, the zoo has been inundated with letters of support from the community, sharing their love for Ruth.

But there were two cards that stood out among the rest from one 6-year-old and one 8-year-old that had everyone at the zoo overwhelmed with love.

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Community Shows Love for Ruth the Elephant

“Our hearts are full from the incredible outpouring of support from the community after Ruth’s passing,” said the zoo online. “Among the hundreds of messages we received, two heartfelt cards from a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old reminded us of Ruth’s profound impact on everyone.”

Written on colorful construction paper and designed with the  messy creativity only a child could produce, two cards expressed their love for Ruth. It appeared the children had emptied out their piggy bank because inside the card was a crisp $20 bill.

“We are so, so sorry about Ruth,” it read. “We are donating this money to the zoo as a gift. I hope you have all the other animals for a long time. Thank you for taking care of Ruth.”

READ MORE: New Bedford to Memorialize Beloved Ruth the Elephant

New Bedford to Honor Ruth the Elephant

Along with the beautifully crafted cards, the zoo shared a photo of a tribute board dedicated to Ruth, accompanied by heart-shaped notes written by people in the community.

“Thank you all for your kidness and love during this time,” said the zoo.

Plans were announced last week for a memorial ceremony that will honor Ruth in the coming months.

Ruth’s friend, Emily, is now the only remaining elephant at the zoo and will be the last elephant that will reside at Buttonwood Park Zoo.