Detroit Zoo camel Tula dies after battling degenerative condition

By Max Reinhart, mreinhart@detroitnews.com

Tula, a 6-year-old Bactrian camel who lived her whole life on the Detroit Zoo, has died, the zoo introduced Wednesday.

The animal, which suffered from a degenerative ligament illness that affected her consolation and mobility, died on Monday, the zoo mentioned in a social media submit.

Tula, named after a river in Mongolia, was born on the Detroit Zoo in 2019 and was liked by guests and employees, the zoo mentioned.

“Recognized for her daring character and eager intelligence, Tula was a favourite amongst her care group, who loved working along with her – particularly throughout care-oriented coaching,” the zoo wrote on Fb.

Employees had labored laborious to offer Tula the very best high quality of life, the zoo mentioned, with group members offering ache administration, protecting coverings and laser remedy to the ailing animal. Though she initially responded properly to remedy, her situation deteriorated in current weeks, main the zoo to “compassionately euthanize” her.

“Tula was deeply liked by those that cared for her and by many visitors who visited her over time. She will probably be vastly missed,” the zoo mentioned. “Please maintain the zookeepers in your ideas as they proceed to assist the remainder of the camel herd with the identical dedication and compassion.”

Tula’s sister, Rusi, and their mom, Suren, nonetheless stay on the zoo in Royal Oak, in accordance with the web site. Tula’s brother, Humphrey, died in 2023 on the age of 9. Their father, Rusty, died in April on the age of 17.

In response to the zoo, Bactrian camels are mammals identified for his or her two distinctive humps, which they use to retailer fats. They’re typically about 7 toes tall, weigh greater than 2,000 kilos and have a mean life expectancy of 17 years.