Buffalo, NY (WKBW) -- Officials at the Buffalo Zoo tell Eyewitness News that Buki, a 52-year old Asian elephant and favorite among visitors and zoo staff, has died.

Buki had begun to show signs of aging over the past few years, and recently experienced a reduction in appetite leading to significant weight loss. Zoo officials modified her diet based on advice from elephant nutritionists, however medical tests revealed that Buki's kidney function had changed.

Throughout her illness, Buki maintained social interactions with the Zoo's other elephants, Jothi and Surapa. She also remained good-natured with her dedicated keepers and veterinary staff and accepted her treatments very well.

Hundreds of get well wishes poured in from the community, which keepers shared with Buki each morning. The cards are on display in the windows of the Elephant House as well as the window across from the facility.

Zoo officials say that a necropsy will be conducted, however they do not expect results to be available for several weeks. A recent study published in an issue of Zoo Biology found that the average life expectancy for female Asian elephants in professionally managed zoological facilities is 44.8 years.

Born in the wild in her native Thailand, the earliest known records show that Buki was brought to the United States in 1959, where she became a member of the King Bros. Circus. Buki continued to perform with various circus acts until 1984, when she was brought to the Buffalo Zoo.

Buki passed away at 5:40 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2009 with her keepers at her side.

Stay with Eyewitness News and WKBW.com for more on this story.