AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Zoo has lost a beloved member of its animal family. Its capybara, Atlantis, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 22.
"Her care team noticed a steep decline in the geriatric capybara’s health and the zoo’s vet staff performed a full exam. The exam revealed several abnormalities due to age-related conditions and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize Atlantis," the Zoo said in a news release.
Atlantis was 10 years old. According to Akron Zoo, the median life expectancy for female capybaras is 8.6 years. She came to Akron in 2014 from the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas.
The Akron Zoo participates in the Capybara Species Survival Plan (SSP), a scientifically managed breeding program that promotes genetic diversity in endangered species, the release said.
Atlantis was well known to Akron Zoo guests for her "unique personality" and enjoyed alone time.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of Atlantis. She will be missed by all the staff at the Akron Zoo, along with her many fans,” said Shelley Orloski, career pathways manager at the Akron Zoo and Capybara SSP program leader for AZA. “While the SSP makes breeding recommendations for capybaras, our primary goal is the health and wellbeing of every individual animal. Atlantis had let us know over the years that she preferred to be solitary. I’m grateful to the Akron Zoo for making every accommodation for Atlantis and for embracing the spunky capybara for who she was as an individual.”
Editor's Note: The following video is from a previous, unrelated report.
MORE HEADLINES:
