Reid Park Zoo is mourning the loss of Zuri, a 15-year-old female zebra, who was humanely euthanized following a procedure necessary to treat her laminitis.
Laminitis is a chronic inflammatory condition recognized in hoofstock that impacts the laminae, which is the tissue that connects a zebra’s hooves to their bone. It is a condition that requires a lot of hands-on and frequent management of the hooves. With a wild animal like a Grevy’s zebra, this needs to be done under general anesthesia.
“Zuri did very well under anesthesia however, unfortunately, as she was waking up she fractured one of the large bones in her rear leg. Due to the type and location of the fracture it would not have been possible to surgically repair,” said Dr. Roth, Reid Park Zoo’s Chief Veterinarian.
The Zoo’s medical team had been working closely with Zuri on her hoof condition since she arrived at the Zoo in 2023, and had performed the procedure to treat her laminitis five times successfully. Broken legs are often fatal in equine species.
Zuri will be remembered as a happy and confident animal who was very responsive to her care team. She will be dearly missed by staff and guests alike. Zoo staff will have access to a grief counselor as they navigate this difficult loss.
“I’m grateful to the veterinary and animal care teams that have worked closely with Zuri to improve the quality of her life,” said Nancy Kluge, Reid Park Zoo’s President & CEO. “You showed compassion and great skill as you cared for her hoof condition, and went above and beyond to give her comfort during these last few months. Thank you and everyone at the Zoo for providing a place where animal care and comfort have such a high priority.”
The Zoo’s animal care team is keeping a close eye on the Zoo’s other zebras including Anna and her 9 month old foal for their behavioral well-being. So far they are eating well and their behavior appears to be normal.
Grevy’s zebra are endangered with only an estimated 2,000 – 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Reid Park Zoo works with the Species Survival Plan to help sustain healthy populations of zebra.
More information about laminitis and how Reid Park Zoo treated this condition in Zuri can be found here.