The Zoo Announces the Death of Elephant Ruth

Zookeepers found Ruth down and unable to get up on her own and immediately began implementing the planned protocol to lift a down animal, which includes alerting the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team (HURT). The Zoo’s veterinary staff arrived, and upon consult with elephant care staff, the Director of Animal Management and Health, and Executive Zoo Director, the decision was made to humanely euthanize Ruth. In their 40s, all three members of the Zoo’s elephant herd are considered geriatric. The median life expectancy for a female African savanna elephant in human care is 39.4 years old, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Ruth was first anesthetized, and zookeepers were with her throughout the process. She showed no signs of discomfort.

The vet staff collected plasma from Ruth as part of a plasma collection program the Zoo takes part in. Ruth was a donor in the system and was a leader in plasma collection, according to her care team. This collection is considered a final gift from Ruth to help another elephant in need.

During euthanasia, she was surrounded by a large group of zookeepers and animal care staff who also supported each other throughout the process, giving comfort and sharing stories of Ruth. Zookeepers were also given time alone with Ruth to say goodbye.

The Zoo offered Brittany and Belle the opportunity to enter the stall with Ruth to give them space to see and smell Ruth — this is normal behavior for socially-bonded animals when one animal passes away. Each elephant was given time on their own to see Ruth, which provided them their own space to process her death.

Ruth arrived at MCZ in December 2006, joining Brittany, who came to the Zoo in June 2001. Belle was the latest addition to the herd in 2019. Her care team reflected that Ruth kept them on their toes with her feisty and sassy attitude. Ruth was independent, and it wasn’t uncommon to see her alone in her own space in the outdoor habitat. She was a motivated participant in trainings and other practices for both Zoo staff and outside consultants who also worked with her.

MCZ staff, including the animal care team and grounds team, did an outstanding, compassionate, and professional job in handling this situation, and the Zoo is proud of the work they do.

A necropsy, performed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, is scheduled to be completed this weekend, and the Zoo will provide additional information pending results, which can take several weeks.