|
MEDIA
RELEASE
May 12, 2010
CONTACT:
Kara Bussabarger
kara.bussabarger@louisvilleky.gov
502-238-5331 (502-744-5639 Media Cell)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 Baby
elephant Scotty passes away after a brief illness
Recently diagnosed with colic after
experiencing severe gastrointestinal and digestive issues, 3-year-old
baby elephant Scotty has passed away.
Scotty was making steady progress while under
close 24-hour observation and care, but this morning he took a turn for
the worse. Colic in elephants is not uncommon and it can turn very
serious, very quickly, which was the case with Scotty.
When all hope of recovery was gone, the Zoo’s
staff then made the very difficult decision to humanely euthanize him
around 8:30 p.m.
“This is a very sad day for us. We are
heartbroken,” Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “We did
everything we could to see Scotty though this. We had the best animal
care and medical staff available, but we just weren’t able to save him.
Scotty was a special member of our family who had a tremendous impact on
our staff, volunteers, visitors and the community. We are deeply
mourning his loss.”
A recent ultrasound showed displacement and gas
distention in Scotty’s large bowel. The cause is still unknown. While
under 24-hour care from his keepers, the Louisville Zoo’s Veterinary
team was also checking on Scotty throughout each day and administering
medication. In addition, they were consulting with the leading elephant
veterinary experts in the nation as well as a local equine expert. The
Zoo’s Veterinary team worked to alleviate his abdominal discomfort
through diet, exercise, fluid therapy and medication, but unfortunately
Scotty’s condition deteriorated quickly.
“Scotty will always remain in our hearts,”
Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “He was a special elephant,
and we will greatly miss him.”
Information about how to remember Scotty will
be released soon.
A necropsy will be performed and results will
be released at a later date.
***
Scotty was born March 18, 2007, at the
Louisville Zoo to mom Mikki. He was the first elephant born in Kentucky
and the Zoo’s 40-year history.
***
The
Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky,
is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by
providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for
visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation
education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of
Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
***
|
