'We always have a thoughtful process for that': The dark reality facing aging zoo animals
Anyone who visits Assiniboine Park Zoo can see empty or near-empty exhibits scattered throughout the grounds – spaces that previously served as homes for aging animals that have since passed away.
That includes one enclosure in the park’s Toucan Ridge area where Bragin the ocelot lived. The nearly 24-year-old cat came to Assiniboine Park Zoo in July 2011, but after his health took a turn for the worse last week, he was euthanized.
“He arrived as a middle-aged cat and he lived the duration of his golden years here at the zoo, well beyond the natural lifespan of an ocelot,” said Chris Enright, the zoo’s senior director of zoological operations.
A timeline of animals that have recently died at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. (CTV News Winnipeg)
Since last May, at least 10 animals have died at the zoo, including three wolves. Now, only one lone wolf remains.
“We’re committed to that existing wolf for the duration of his lifespan, whatever that might be,” Enright said. “And at the conclusion, we’ll have a thoughtful approach and look at bringing in a new group of wolves after that.”
One expert said zoos like the one at Assiniboine Park should reconsider that approach and the role they play in Canadian society.
"Keeping wild animals for entertainment is really indefensible at this point, but there are other valid roles that they can play,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, the director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice. “They could look to more of a sanctuary model, so taking in animals in need or playing more of a conservation role.”
As more and more animals age, conservationists are worried about a possible hunt for fresh blood.
“There's going to be extra pressure to take from the wild, which is not a good idea if the wild animals are themselves in decline,” said Barry MacKay, Animal Alliance of Canada’s Wildlife Issues Director.
In terms of its overall animal population, the Assiniboine Park Zoo said it’s not in decline despite the recent deaths.
“We're certainly committed to maintaining an animal population that is highly engaging for our guests, that connects people with conservation and really fosters caring,” Enright said.
When it comes to its ocelot exhibit though, Enright said they’ll be figuring out what’s next over the summer months.
“This summer we will go through our processes to decide, ‘Is another ocelot the right answer?’ or is a different species the right answer to really achieve the goals of having animals in human care,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have burned in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Australian field hockey player opts to amputate part of his finger in order to compete in Paris Olympics
In the run up to the Paris Olympics, athletes have been stepping up their preparations in order to maintain their edge over competitors. But for Australia’s Matt Dawson, those preparations looked a little different this year, with the field hockey player opting to have part of his finger amputated in order to compete in the Games.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.