News

Actions

Zebra dies after weekend storms at the Virginia Zoo

Posted at 11:29 PM, Aug 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-02 06:28:36-04

NORFOLK, Va. – A zebra has died at the Virginia Zoo as a result of weekend storms.

On the afternoon of July 30, zoo staff noticed Emilie had an abdominal injury. There was a cut on her stomach, showing exposed intestines. The zoo’s vet determined Emilie suffered thoracic and abdominal bruising and that her intestines were ruptured.

Blood tests showed her condition was toxic and could not be cured. The vets euthanized her while she was under sedation.

Emilie is a Hartmann’s mountain zebra and was born in April of 2015 to 15-year-old Abbey and five-year-old Zack. Hartmann’s mountain zebras are threatened in the wild and there are less than 60 captive individuals in the North American Species Survival Plan (SSP). With the loss of Emilie, the Zoo now has four zebras — Abbey, Zack, 12-year-old Rose, and a month-old foal who has yet to be named.

The zoo posted loving words on their Facebook page:

RELATED: 

Female zebra foal born at the Virginia Zoo

Virginia Zoo announces baby zebra’s name

Baby zebra born at the Virginia Zoo