Beloved Detroit Zoo camel Tula had ligament condition, dies at age 6

The Detroit Zoo shared some sad news for animal lovers: Tula, the zoo’s 6-year-old camel, has died.

For greater than a 12 months, Tula had been working with the zoo’s veterinary, behavioral husbandry and animal care groups attributable to a “degenerative ligament situation that affected her consolation and mobility.” according to a Facebook post from the Detroit Zoo on Wednesday, November 26 and mentioned she died on Monday, November 24.

“Tula initially responded nicely to therapy, however in latest weeks her stability and luxury decreased,” the put up mentioned. “After cautious analysis and consideration of all choices, the workforce has made the troublesome resolution to compassionately euthanize her.”

Tula was born on the Detroit Zoo in 2019 and named after a river in Mongolia, one of many locations in Central Asia the place Bactrian camels originate.

“Tula rapidly grew to become a beloved member of the Zoo household,” the Detroit Zoo mentioned. “Recognized for her daring character and eager intelligence, Tula was a favourite amongst her care workforce, who loved working along with her, particularly throughout care-oriented coaching.”

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Tula is the second Bactrian camel on the Detroit Zoo to be euthanized this 12 months. In April, Rusty, who spent 16 years on the Detroit Zoo after arriving there from Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2009, died.

Bactrian camels are identified for his or her distinctive two humps that retailer fats for vitality when meals could also be restricted within the wild. The Detroit Zoo website says the camels develop 7 ft tall on the humps and weigh greater than 2,000 kilos. They’ve a mean life expectancy of 17 years.

In response to the web site, the zoo at present has two different Bactrian camels, Suren and Rusi.

“Tula was deeply cherished by those that cared for her and by many company who visited her through the years,” the Detroit Zoo mentioned. “She will likely be tremendously missed. Please hold the zoo employees in your ideas as they proceed to assist the remainder of the camel herd with the identical dedication and compassion.”

Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.