News Summary
Ruth, a 43-year-old African savanna elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo, was humanely euthanized after a fall that left her unable to get up. Despite efforts from zoo staff and veterinarians, it was determined that euthanasia was the most compassionate choice. Ruth, known for her independent spirit, had been part of the zoo since 2006 and participated in a plasma collection program as a final gift to assist other elephants. Her passing is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in geriatric wildlife care.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Ruth, a 43-year-old African savanna elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo, was humanely euthanized on September 20, following a fall earlier that morning. Ruth’s situation prompted immediate action from the zoo staff after they found her down and unable to get up on her own.
Earlier in September, Ruth had experienced another fall but managed to recover with assistance. On the day of her euthanasia, zoo staff responded to the alarming condition by following established protocols for lifting a downed animal, which included contacting the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team. Despite these efforts and a subsequent assessment of her condition by the zoo’s veterinary staff, elephant care staff, and zoo directors, it was determined that euthanasia was the most compassionate option for Ruth.
During the euthanasia process, Ruth was first anesthetized and showed no signs of discomfort. She was surrounded by a large group of zookeepers and animal care staff who shared memories and bid farewell to her. The zoo took the necessary steps to ensure that Ruth’s herd companions, Brittany and Belle, were allowed time to observe and interact with her, as this is considered a customary practice for socially bonded animals to process their loss.
The Milwaukee County Zoo indicated that all three elephants in their herd, including Ruth, are considered geriatric, with a median life expectancy of 39.4 years for female African savanna elephants in human care. Known for her independence and feisty personality, Ruth often chose her own space within the outdoor habitat while actively participating in training sessions. She had been a resident at the Milwaukee County Zoo since December 2006, joining her companions Brittany and Belle.
In a poignant gesture, Ruth’s participation in a plasma collection program was highlighted as a “final gift” to assist other elephants in need. A necropsy is scheduled to be performed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, with results expected in several weeks. While the precise cause of Ruth’s latest fall remains unknown, it is acknowledged as part of the challenges faced by geriatric elephants.
As Ruth’s passing marks a significant moment for both the zoo and its staff, it serves as a reminder of the complexities involved with caring for aging wildlife. The dedication of the caregivers, who worked tirelessly to provide Ruth with a quality life, is indicative of the compassionate care that animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo receive.
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Additional Resources
- Fox6Now
- Wikipedia: African Elephant
- Journal Sentinel
- Google Search: Milwaukee County Zoo elephant Ruth
- WISN
- Google Scholar: Elephant Care in Zoos
- WTMJ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elephant Population in Zoos
- Kansas City Star
- Google News: Milwaukee Zoo Elephants
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.
