'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
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
'I feel honoured to say I was his friend': Wayne Gretzky remembers Bob Cole
Tributes continue to pour in for Bob Cole as his family has confirmed a funeral will be held for the legendary broadcaster Friday in St. John's, N.L.