The Loss of Chloe
- Bloomington, IL -
On March 31, one of Miller Park Zoo’s North American river otter “Chloe” appeared to have an enlarged torso. It was determined by Zoo staff that there was a high likelihood she was pregnant. Because Chloe’s behavior and appearance mimicked that of a pregnant river otter, and after reviewing the husbandry manual published by the AZA, it was determined she should not be physically examined by a veterinarian. Chloe did not exhibit symptoms of being ill, which was confirmed by the Zoo veterinarians. It is common for wild animals to mask pregnancy as well as illness to prevent becoming prey.
As of April 9 at 9:30 am, Chloe continued to exhibit the normal behavior of a pregnant otter. At approximately 11:00 am Chloe’s condition rapidly declined. She was taken to the veterinary clinic, where she died during examination. It was determined by the doctors that she had liver cancer that had spread throughout her organs. The condition was not treatable.
Miller Park Zoo is a community Zoo. We will continue to share our Zoo stories, even those with the risk of tragedy.
Chloe brought many smiles to Miller Park Zoo staff and visitors. She will be missed.
For more information contact Zoo Superintendent John Tobias at (309) 434-2825 or
jtobias@millerparkzoo.org |
