News Summary
Ruth, the cherished African savanna elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo, was humanely euthanized at the age of 43 after a fall left her unable to stand. The decision was made by veterinary staff following established protocol. Zookeepers and fellow elephants were present to say their goodbyes, honoring Ruth’s legacy. Ruth joined the zoo in 2006 and was known for her independent and spirited nature. Her contributions included participating in a plasma donation program, leaving a lasting impact on her caretakers and the zoo community.
Milwaukee – Ruth, the beloved African savanna elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo, was humanely euthanized on Saturday morning, September 20, 2025, at the age of 43. The decision came after she experienced a fall in the Zoo’s Elephant Care Center and was unable to stand up independently.
Zookeepers followed established protocol for such incidents, which included contacting the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team (HURT) for assistance. However, after assessing her condition, the zoo’s veterinary staff and leadership concluded that Ruth could not recover and decided to proceed with euthanasia. Before the procedure, Ruth was anesthetized and did not display signs of discomfort during the process.
Ruth was surrounded by her trusted zookeepers and care staff as they shared memories and said their goodbyes. To help her fellow elephants cope with the loss, Brittany and Belle were allowed to see Ruth before the procedure. This practice is believed to help socially bonded animals process such significant changes in their group dynamics.
The median life expectancy for a female African savanna elephant in human care is 39.4 years, presenting Ruth’s age at the time of her passing as notable yet aligned with expectations for geriatric elephants. All three elephants at the Milwaukee County Zoo, including Brittany and Belle, are considered to be in their senior years.
Ruth arrived at the Milwaukee County Zoo in December 2006, joining Brittany, who had already been at the zoo since June 2001, and Belle, who was added to the herd in 2019. Her care team described Ruth as independent, feisty, and sassy, traits that endeared her to both staff and visitors.
In her later years, Ruth participated in a plasma collection program, where she acted as a frequent donor. This effort was viewed as a final gift to help other elephants in need. Following her euthanasia, a necropsy will be performed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, with results anticipated in several weeks.
Prior to her final fall, Ruth had an incident on September 2, 2025, where she required assistance to get back up after a fall due to an interaction with her herd mate Belle. The preparations and modifications in the zoo’s Elephant Care Center, specifically designed for the needs of geriatric elephants, included lifting equipment to assist in such emergencies.
Following Ruth’s passing, zookeepers remained with her throughout the process, while staff members supported one another in their grief over the loss of a cherished member of their zoo family. The Milwaukee County Zoo is carrying on with its commitment to the care of elephants in honor of Ruth’s legacy and the important role she played in the lives of those who cared for her.
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Additional Resources
- WISN: Milwaukee County Zoo Euthanizes Ruth the Elephant
- Wikipedia: Elephants in Captivity
- Fox6Now: Milwaukee County Zoo Euthanizes 43-Year-Old Elephant Ruth
- Google Search: Milwaukee County Zoo Ruth the Elephant
- Jsonline: 43-Year-Old African Savanna Elephant Ruth Euthanized
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elephant
- New York Post: Milwaukee County Zoo Uses Loader to Uplift Elephant Ruth
- Google News: Milwaukee County Zoo Elephant Ruth
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.
