El Paso Zoo euthanizes 35-year-old lion-tailed macaque
The El Paso Zoo has had to euthanize its second lion-tailed macaque this year.
Claudette, 35, was a geriatric animal who had been treated for several age-related problems, including cataracts and arthritis. She was euthanized Thursday morning.
“Claudette lived a full and happy life, was loved by all who worked with her and will be sorely missed. She leaves many broken hearts at her passing. She was a joy to work with, she made us laugh and she could be sassy with a pint size attitude,” said Rachel Alvarez, Area Supervisor.
Claudette recently had a routine exam and developed complications that would have required surgery and a lengthy recovery. She also had a prolonged and abnormal anesthetic recovery after the exam and veterinarians were concerned that she may not recover or survive another procedure with anesthesia.
“Many species tend to live longer in Zoos because of the healthcare, daily keeper attention, nutrition, and predator protection provided and so we have a significant population of older animals. Euthanasia is always a difficult decision to make and we have to make the decision based on declining quality of life, when we can no longer overcome the issues they are having,” said Dr. Victoria Milne, Zoo Veterinarian.
Claudette had lived at the El Paso Zoo since August 1995. She came to the El Paso Zoo from Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona.
The El Paso Zoo euthanized 32-year-old Tango on April 17.
He had a history of severe arthritis but no other serious medical problems. He was observed acting normal the day before and was then found on the ground and unconscious with a head wound by keepers on April 17.
The median life expectancy for lion-tailed macaques is 25 years.
The El Paso Zoo has three other female macaques in its collection, who are ages 28-32.
Staff believe he fell but were not aware of what caused the fall and whether he was unconscious due to a sudden medical problem before he fell. Even with arthritis, macaques are excellent climbers and rarely fall.
