DALLAS -- A Dallas Zoo elephant, which was being treated for a severe case of intestinal colic after eating rocks and dirt, died Monday, NBC 5 reported.

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Images: Dallas Zoo Elephant Dies

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KeKe, a 39-year-old female African elephant, had a long history of colic and had been known to eat rocks and dirt throughout her life.

Recently, zookeepers noticed problems when KeKe refused to eat.

Following treatments that resolved her problems in the past, including providing additional fluids, she was able to eat small amounts. Dallas Zoo veterinarians and zookeepers had been treating her symptoms for more than 10 days and have consulted with experts throughout the country for additional methods to help her.

The gastric system of elephants is difficult to assess because veterinarians are unable to use sonograms and radiography because of elephants’ massive size.

Zoo workers had brought in a crane to get the elephant on its feet, if necessary as people lined up outside an area enclosed by a black tarp, where the elephant was located.

Dallas police were in the area to redirect traffic, while the large mammal exhibit was closed on Monday.