The Living Desert announced Tuesday that both of the zoo’s African Wild Dogs passed away recently.
On Tuesday, January 24, Manny, the zoo’s 12 year-old male African wild dog, was found unresponsive in his exhibit. After careful examination, it was determined that he had severe kidney failure and the zoo made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him on Wednesday, January 26.
On Friday, January 27, Malia, the zoo’s 14 year-old female African wild dog underwent her annual exam where elevated liver enzyme levels and a progressive deterioration of preexisting conditions (including tumors on her backwere found. The zoo, once again, made the decision to humanely euthanize her on January 31.
“Malia and Manny’s longevity and full life are a testament to the zoo’s care of these animals. Both Malia and Manny well exceeded the average life expectancy of their species, and did their part to inspire guests about their species and the current plight of their wild counterparts,” said RoxAnna Breitigan, Director of Animal Programs at The Living Desert. “We are heartbroken by the loss of these two amazing animals, and this loss is felt by everyone associated with The Living Desert, but we take comfort in knowing that they lived such long, full lives.”
