Addax Dies at Edmonton Valley Zoo
March 11, 2010
A six-year-old addax, an animal belonging to the antelope family, died at the Edmonton Valley Zoo on March 6.
Initial post mortem results indicate that the addax died due to aspiration – she inhaled regurgitated food into her lungs after she was sedated. The death occurred after the addax escaped from a holding pen, located near the back of the public area of the zoo.
The addax was in a stall of a barn that was being cleaned. When the stall was opened for cleaning, the addax abruptly ran out of the barn, into the holding pen adjacent to the barn, and out the gate onto the zoo grounds. The gate was left open contrary to zoo procedure.
Following approved protocol, zoo staff immediately closed all gates and directed people away from the area to keep them safe. The addax was confined to a large enclosed pasture area in a non-public part of the zoo within approximately 20 minutes.
She was sedated and transported back to the barn for treatment. She seemed to be doing well but suddenly and unexpectedly stopped breathing. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.
Denise Prefontaine, director of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, says appropriate follow up has occurred with staff. “Zoo procedure is that all animal holding gates be closed and locks double checked. Because this procedure was not followed an animal got loose. This situation illustrates why the rules we have in place must be followed to protect both animals and people,” Prefontaine said, adding that related protocols have been reinforced with all staff and will be emphasized in upcoming team meetings.
Addaxes look similar to antelopes and weigh an average of 60 to 120 kilograms. The zoo is home to two other addaxes.
For more information:
Dean Treichel
Edmonton Valley Zoo
| Title | Operations Supervisor |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-496-6941 |
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