Zoo’s Mexican Gray Wolf dies a month after sister’s death

Zoo officials announced Wednesday that Ash, a 14-year-old Mexican gray wolf at the El Paso Zoo, died after medical intervention was no longer able to help her declining condition.

Zoo officials said the animal care team determined that euthanasia was the most humane option.

Ash reportedly had a number of common age-related health issues, including arthritis in her knees and back, that were being managed by the animal care and Veterinary teams.

Officials said Ash’s sister, Ivy, died last month. Pathology results are still pending to determine her cause of death.

Both had exceeded the life expectancy for Mexican gray wolves under human care.

Zephyr, an 11-year-old male Mexican wolf, appears to be in good health.

Ash and her sister Ivy were born at the Columbus Zoo, transferred to the Cincinnati Zoo, and both were later transferred to the El Paso Zoo.

“I’ve been at the zoo for over 15 years, so I’ve watched Ash and Ivy grow as part of the Zoo family,” said Area Supervisor Tony Zydonyk. “Ash was a longtime resident, and I know all of us are going to miss her, especially the keepers in her area.”

The El Paso Zoo is said to be taking measures to conserve the Mexican wolf. In addition to the wolves that currently live at the zoo, the zoo has sponsored various Mexican wolf conservation efforts.

The zoo wants the community to know three things in particular:

The Zoo provides excellent and expert care for animals, prioritizing their welfare and wellbeing. The Zoo is actively saving wildlife from extinction through its conservation work at the zoo and in the field. The Zoo acts and communicates with the purpose of inspiring people to value wild animals, taking responsibility for their safeguarding and action for their stability.