The Edmonton Valley Zoo recently announced the euthanization of one of its beloved camel family members, Tuyaa, due to complications from hyperparathyroidism. Tuyaa, a three-year-old Bactrian camel, had been experiencing health issues, including shifting lameness in her hind legs, which worsened despite ongoing treatment and medication. Over the past two weeks, she required assistance to stand and suffered increased complications from her inability to do so. Despite the efforts of her animal care team, Tuyaa was unable to regain her ability to stand, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize her. Tuyaa was born to Genghis and Dolly, part of the zoo’s camel herd.
Tuyaa’s birth in 2020 brought joy during a challenging time, as the world was grappling with the pandemic. She was Dolly’s first calf, and the care team spent time getting to know her and observing the special bond between mother and calf. Tuyaa’s name, which means ‘Ray of Light’ in Mongolian, reflected the positive impact she had on everyone who cared for her. The zoo staff expressed their deep sorrow at Tuyaa’s passing, emphasizing how much she was loved and how she had left a lasting impression on their hearts. The loss of Tuyaa was felt keenly by all those who had the privilege of knowing and caring for her.
The zoo’s decision to euthanize Tuyaa was a compassionate one, made to prevent further suffering and ensure her well-being. Despite their best efforts, her health continued to decline, and it became clear that she would not recover. The zoo’s animal care, health, and welfare team worked tirelessly to support her, providing lifts, physical therapy, pain control, and other treatments to help her stand. Tuyaa’s condition worsened despite these efforts, leading to the difficult choice to end her suffering. The zoo expressed gratitude for the impact Tuyaa had during her short life and the lessons learned from caring for her.
The Edmonton Valley Zoo shared the news of Tuyaa’s passing on social media, where they received an outpouring of support and condolences from the community. People expressed their sadness at the loss of such a beloved animal and shared memories of Tuyaa from their visits to the zoo. The zoo’s camel family, including Genghis, Dolly, and other members, will continue to be cared for by the dedicated staff who work to provide a safe and enriching environment for the animals. Tuyaa’s legacy will live on through the memories shared by those who knew her and the impact she had on the zoo community.
The passing of Tuyaa serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of compassionate care for animals in zoos and other settings. Zoo staff are deeply affected by the loss of any animal in their care and work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of all the animals they oversee. Tuyaa’s story underscores the bond between humans and animals and the profound impact that animals can have on those who care for them. The Edmonton Valley Zoo will continue to provide a nurturing environment for its animal residents, honoring Tuyaa’s memory and the contributions she made to the zoo community.
