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The Milwaukee County Zoo has said goodbye to a longtime resident, female Chinese alligator Yin, who was humanely euthanized in early May. Yin arrived at the Zoo in 1995 and was nearly 41 years old.
Yin, and male Chinese alligator Yang, 39, came to MCZ together from the Bronx Zoo and lived together in their public habitat in the Aquatic & Reptile Center the entire time.
In June of last year, the animal care team noticed Yin was having mobility issues, and they reacted quickly to have the veterinary staff assess her, leading to antibiotic treatment for a spinal lesion. Yin and Yang had been behind the scenes since her treatment began, with Yang providing companionship.
More recently, Yin’s skin condition and appetite also began declining. After much consideration about her quality of life, along with a poor prognosis, the team made the decision to humanely euthanize her.
Preliminary necropsy results have already arrived and showed Yin is suspected to have had ovarian cancer with metastasis. The median life expectancy for a Chinese alligator in human care in 26 years old.
Yin was a favorite among zookeepers and will be missed. She was very smart and slower to trust but comfortable once she knew the animal care team members. The zookeepers noted she was strong-willed and intelligent, and loved shrimp. In the morning, Yin and Yang were often seen laying closely, and they spent a lot of time together.
The Chinese Alligator habitat is currently undergoing renovations to the pool. Once those are complete, Yang will return. MCZ has been in contact with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program coordinator, and the Zoo will likely receive a recommendation for another female in the future. Zookeepers note that Yang is healthy, and they look forward to seeing him back in his habitat once renovations are complete.
