March 1, 2011

DENVER ZOO MOURNS LOSS OF TWO ANIMALS - Cheetah "Katili" and Grevy's Zebra "Lakota" Pass Away Due to Unrelated Causes

In a very difficult week for Denver Zoo, two animals have passed away. Katili, a 10-year-old female cheetah under care for renal disease was humanely euthanized on February 24 when her condition deteriorated. Then, on February 28, zookeepers found a 1-year-old zebra had died overnight. Initial necropsy results do not shed light on what may have caused the zebra to die.

About Katili: With a grave prognosis due to renal failure and having lost her quality of life, vets humanely euthanized 10-year-old Katili on February 24. Katili came to Denver Zoo in March of 2009 and was already being monitored for renal issues. She was trained by Denver Zoo staff after her arrival to offer her tail for regular blood draws. Her care team regularly monitored her renal function through blood tests and urine analysis. Veterinarians were treating Katili with antibiotics to fight infection and probiotics to encourage a healthy appetite. Despite their best efforts, Katili began refusing food and became very lethargic and dehydrated.

"Although this is a sad loss for us all, it was the right thing to do. She just wasn't going to get better. She certainly will be missed by us all," says Denver Zoo Veterinarian Diana Boon.

Katili came to Denver Zoo from Binder Park Zoo in March of 2009. The average lifespan of cheetahs in zoos in 8-12 years. Denver Zoo is home to one other cheetah, a male 7 year old named Barafu. Denver Zoo officials are actively seeking a new mate for Barafu through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, an organization that matches zoo animals to ensure genetic diversity.

About Lakota: On the heels of the loss of Katili, zookeepers were saddened and shocked to find that Lakota, a Grevy's zebra born at Denver Zoo in November of 2009, had died overnight. There were no signs of trauma and initial results from the necropsy do not offer any answers on the cause of death.

"We are waiting to get results back from additional tissue samples to see what could have caused this. It was completely unexpected. This animal appeared completely healthy and active its whole life and was seen playing in the yard just the day before," Boon says.

Lakota shared space with his father, Punda. The pair always appeared to get along well. Denver Zoo has another herd of zebras that are housed separately consisting of four females. Lakota's mother, Topaz, lives with the female herd.