SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The NEW Zoo is mourning the unexpected loss of one of its elk.
Todd the elk was humanely euthanized last week after suffering a sudden abdominal hernia.
During last week’s zoo check, zookeepers say Todd appeared to be normal. Shortly after the zoo opened to the public, a guest told staff that one of the elk was not looking well.
Zookeepers rushed to the North American Prairie habitat and it appeared Todd had an abdominal hernia. The situation was deemed an emergency and veterinary staff were on site within an hour.
Todd was sedated via a dart so the veterinarian could assess the area and determine a course of action. After examination, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize Todd. The extent of the hernia, as well as the complications of performing an extensive surgery in the field on a bull elk in rut were taken into consideration when making the decision on how to proceed.
“Our animals’ welfare and wellbeing are of upmost importance to us, and in this case, humane euthanasia was the best option for Todd. Todd’s presence at the Zoo will be deeply missed. Guests and staff alike were always impressed by his massive antler growth each summer and his magnificent antlers each fall. Todd loved apples and sweet corn, and he really loved “attacking” trees – especially the many Christmas trees donated to the Zoo each January. Like all males of the deer family, Todd could be aggressive and even dangerous to work around during the rut (breeding season), but safety for his habitat-mates and his caretakers was always of the upmost importance. Todd’s sassy attitude (and his “Elvis lip curl!”) endeared him to his caretakers, and he was well loved by our zoo family,” the NEW Zoo wrote.
Todd was 11 years old at the time of his death. The average life expectancy for a wild elk is 10 to 13 years, though in human care, some have been reported to live to 20 years old.
The North American Prairie habitat will continue to house 15-year-old female elk Hummus, along with two 9-year-old female American bison.
Zookeepers will closely monitor Hummus and the bison to assess their welfare following the loss of their fellow habitat-mate.
