Zoo sadly announces death of antelope

Antelope

"Girlfriend" one of our blackbuck antelopes has died despite intensive care.

One of the Asian antelope normally seen in our Asian Grassland exhibit died on October 25. The animal had been under intensive veterinary care for the past two days, and died today during surgery. "Girlfriend" the Asian blackbuck was 11 years old, which is middle to older age for the species. Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Victoria Milne says the antelope had a tumor in her pelvis which was inoperable. The tumor was causing an obstruction of her bladder which prevented her from being able to urinate. She died during the surgery as Dr. Milne was trying to alleviate the obstruction. The exact type of tumor will be determined with further testing by a pathologist. The Zoo still has one female blackbuck and two nilgai in the Asian Grasslands exhibit. Due to the quality of care in zoos, animals are living longer than in the wild and are presenting vets with conditions the animals might not otherwise encounter. Dr. Milne is challenged with managing the health of several geriatric patients under her charge.