News Summary
Ruth, a 43-year-old African elephant, required assistance after falling at the Milwaukee County Zoo. The zoo’s emergency response team and fire department worked together to help her regain footing. After extensive care, Ruth was successful in standing and is now being monitored closely. This incident highlights the exceptional care provided for aging elephants and the preparedness of zoo staff during emergencies.
Milwaukee — Ruth, a 43-year-old African elephant residing at the Milwaukee County Zoo, experienced a serious incident on September 2, 2023, when she tripped over a log and fell. The elephant was unable to rise on her own and remained on the ground for more than an hour during an aggressive encounter with another elephant.
In response to the situation, the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team (HURT) was dispatched to assist, with a crane company on standby in case additional support was needed. Staff at the Milwaukee County Zoo immediately implemented a detailed response plan that they regularly train for, designed specifically for geriatric elephants. This proactive approach aimed to ensure Ruth’s safety and well-being during the rescue operation.
A front-end loader was utilized to help Ruth regain her footing by offering her hay as an incentive. After considerable effort, Ruth was successfully assisted and managed to stand up with support. She walked into the Elephant Care Center on her own, demonstrating resilience during the ordeal.
Zoo communications coordinator Kimberly Graves reported that Ruth is currently doing well and is being closely monitored following the incident. After her fall, veterinary staff conducted a thorough assessment of Ruth’s condition, determining that she needed fluids to stay hydrated. Their evaluation indicated that she was in satisfactory health after her fall.
The elephant habitat area was temporarily closed to the public during the incident for safety reasons but was reopened around 12:40 p.m. after the situation was resolved. This allowed visitors to return and observe the resident elephants once again.
Ruth has been part of the Milwaukee County Zoo since 2006, having transferred from the Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas. As a geriatric elephant, she shares her living space with two fellow African savanna elephants, Belle and Brittany. At 43 years old, Ruth is considered elderly, and like her companions, she experiences aging-related issues, including arthritis and joint pain.
Regarding the longevity of elephants in human care, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums states that the median life expectancy for female elephants is approximately 39.4 years. Ruth’s age places her well beyond this average, highlighting the importance of diligent care and attention as she continues to age.
Zoo executive director Amos Morris conveyed the importance of a specialized care approach for Ruth and other geriatric elephants, recognizing that advancements in veterinary care and improved living conditions contribute to their quality of life. Continuous monitoring and individualized care are essential to support their health as they age.
In conclusion, Ruth’s incident at the Milwaukee County Zoo emphasizes the importance of preparedness and the dedicated efforts of both zoo staff and emergency responders to ensure the welfare of animals in human care. As she continues her recovery, ongoing evaluations will help ensure her well-being during her later years.
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HERE Resources
Milwaukee Zoo Elephant Ruth Rescued After Fall
Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- WISN 12 News
- TMJ4 News
- Fox6 Now
- WKOW 27 News
- Wikipedia: Elephant
- Google Search: Milwaukee County Zoo elephant
- Google Scholar: geriatric elephants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elephant
- Google News: Elephants Milwaukee Zoo
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
