Reid Park Zoo's zebra Zuri, 15, remembered as 'a happy and confident animal'

“Zuri did very well under anesthesia. However, unfortunately, as she was waking up she fractured one of the large bones in her rear leg. Due to the type and location of the fracture it would not have been possible to surgically repair,” said Dr. Roth, Reid Park Zoo’s chief veterinarian, in a news release. Broken legs are often fatal in equine species, the zoo noted.

The procedure was needed to treat Zuri's laminitis, a chronic inflammatory condition seen in hoofstock that affects the tissue that connects a zebra’s hooves to their bone. "With a wild animal like a Grevy’s zebra, this needs to be done under general anesthesia," the news release said.

The zoo’s medical team had been working on Zuri's hoof condition since she arrived at Reid Park in 2023, and had performed the procedure to treat her laminitis five times successfully. 

"Zuri will be remembered as a happy and confident animal who was very responsive to her care team. She will be dearly missed by staff and guests alike. Zoo staff will have access to a grief counselor as they navigate this difficult loss," the news release said.

The animal care team "is keeping a close eye on the Zoo’s other zebras including Anna and her 9-month-old foal for their behavioral well-being. So far they are eating well and their behavior appears to be normal."

“I’m grateful to the veterinary and animal care teams that have worked closely with Zuri to improve the quality of her life,” said Nancy Kluge, Reid Park Zoo’s president and CEO. "... Thank you and everyone at the Zoo for providing a place where animal care and comfort have such a high priority.”

Grevy’s zebras are endangered, with only an estimated 2,000-3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Reid Park Zoo works with the Species Survival Plan to help sustain healthy populations of zebra.