Saying Goodbye to a Truly Great Bear
One of the hardest parts of our work is saying goodbye to the animals we love and care for. Today, our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team made the compassionate decision to…
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A Fond Farewell to an Old Friend
September 13, 2023 | 1 minute read
We are saddended to share the news that we had to say goodbye to our 13-year-old female rock hyrax, ‘Hestia’. Well into her golden years, Hestia was considered geriatric for her species and had been receiving supportive care from the Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team for many age-related health challenges. When it became clear that her quality of life could no longer be maintained, the ACHW team made the compassionate decision that euthanasia was in her best interest.
Hestia was born here at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on June 7, 2010. At 13 years of age, she had more than doubled the median life expectancy of her species under human care which is 5.4 years. Her exceptionally long and wonderful life can be attributed to the exemplary care she received from the ACHW team.
Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it’s to those who have spent their entire lives with us. Hestia was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all of us. Please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Rock hyrax, ‘Hestia’