News Summary
Ruth, a 43-year-old elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo, fell on September 2 during an encounter with another elephant. Zoo staff quickly activated emergency protocols, and after 20 minutes, she was able to stand again. Following her recovery, Ruth was monitored by veterinary staff. As she nears her 44th birthday, the zoo emphasizes the importance of specialized care for geriatric animals like Ruth, whose condition is complicated by arthritis.
Milwaukee – Ruth, a 43-year-old elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo, experienced a fall during an encounter with another elephant on September 2, prompting a swift response from zoo staff and emergency services. The incident occurred when Ruth tripped over a log, leading to her being unable to stand for approximately 20 minutes.
Zoo personnel initiated the elephant down response shortly after the fall, activating the emergency protocol within 10 minutes. While the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team and a crane company were alerted to assist, they were ultimately not needed as two zoo employees, along with a front-end loader, successfully helped Ruth regain her footing.
To coax Ruth back to standing, staff utilized hay as an incentive, and after about 20 minutes of being on the ground, she was able to rise on her own. Following her recovery, the zoo’s medical team performed an assessment and administered fluids to ensure her well-being. Subsequently, Ruth walked into the Elephant Care Center independently, where she will continue to be monitored by veterinary staff.
Brought to the Milwaukee County Zoo in 2006 from the Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas, Ruth is now nearing her 44th birthday in November. She is considered geriatric, a label that aligns with her age bracket within the elephant population. For context, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums reports that the median life expectancy for female elephants under human care is approximately 39.4 years. Ruth’s condition is further complicated by arthritis, as emphasized by zoo executive director Amos Morris, who noted that her age, size, and joint pain were contributing factors to her struggle in rising after the fall.
During the incident, the elephant habitat was temporarily closed to the public to ensure safety as staff responded to the emergency. By around 12:40 p.m., the area was reopened, with visitors allowed back in after confirming that Ruth was stable and recovering well.
Currently, Ruth is accompanied by two other African savanna elephants, Belle and Brittany, who are of a similar age. The zoo is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all its animals, particularly the older residents, like Ruth. Geriatric care requires specialized attention, and the zoo’s staff remains vigilant in monitoring her condition following the recent incident.
This fall serves as a reminder of the unique challenges faced by older elephants in captivity, as their needs can often vary greatly from those of younger animals. The quick response by the zoo staff, combined with their experience in handling such situations, played a crucial role in ensuring Ruth’s safety and securing a smooth recovery.
As Ruth continues her journey toward wellness, both staff and visitors remain hopeful and supportive, underscoring the zoo’s commitment to animal care and conservation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Elephant Ruth’s Rescue at Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee Zoo Elephant Ruth Rescued After Fall
Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- WISN
- TMJ4
- FOX6 Now
- WKOW
- Wikipedia: Elephants
- Google Search: elephant care
- Google Scholar: geriatric animal care
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elephant
- Google News: milwaukee zoo elephant
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.
