Zookeepers are devastated at broken promises over burial arrangements for beloved Perth Zoo elephant Tricia.

A former zookeeper said Australia’s oldest elephant, who died on Thursday aged 65, deserved to be buried respectfully.

Perth Live host Oly Peterson told listeners it was his understanding many zookeepers were hesitant of the idea but threatened with losing their jobs if they raised the burial arrangements again.

Former zookeeper Kate told Oly they needed to help from the public to stop the plan to house Tricia’s skeletons at the museum, with a memorial her the preferred and agreed option for zookeepers.

“We would very much like her to be laid to rest, and she should be able to have her peace,” she said, fighting back tears.

“Then there was a bit of a bomb dropped … they asked if they were able to have a say and speak up and have an input, because they were previously promised she could be buried with a memorial and respectfully.”

Tap PLAY to hear how Perth zookeepers want to honour Tricia