Heartbreaking News Posted By Popular Zoo in Minnesota
Fans of one of Minnesota's favorite zoos were hit with some sad news on Monday. One of the beloved animals at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory for over 40 years has passed away.
Popular Animal at Como Park Zoo in Minnesota for 40+ Years Has Passed Away
My family has been frequent visitors of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Minnesota for many years. It is one of the best places to go and visit, especially with kids, and is one of the top 50 bucket list spots to check out.
Sadly, one of the animals that many have taken photos by and visited the last 40+ years has passed away. A statement from Como Park Zoo and Conservatory was posted on Monday, December 19th with the following news:
It is with great sadness that we share the news that one of Como’s most loved animals has passed away. Our female hybrid orangutan, Amanda, was humanely euthanized at the age of 46 on Saturday morning in the presence of her zookeepers.
A team of specialists from the University of Minnesota and our dedicated zoo staff recently immobilized Amanda to try to find the cause of her recent discomfort, lethargy, and inappetence. A mass within her body was discovered that ultimately caused chronic damage to her kidneys. Unfortunately, the mass located within her lower abdomen was determined to be difficult to remove and her prognosis for recovery and improvement was extremely poor. The difficult decision was made to humanly euthanize her.
Amada came to Como Zoo from the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, TX when she was 3 years old. Amanda was a favorite for generations of Como Zoo visitors and the subject of countless photographs capturing her exceptional beauty. Amanda was a known for her intelligence, playful personality, and love of painting and listening to music, and she was a frequent participant in the regular animal enrichment programs. Amanda served as an incredible ambassador for orangutans in the wild and orangutan conservation, inspiring many to get involved with research and programs that worked to protect orangutans.
“Amanda was curious, mischievous, engaging, and smart. We lost a beautiful soul”, said Megan Elder, Como Zoo Primate Zookeeper, Orangutan Species Survival Coordinator, and International Orangutan Studbook Keeper. “It’s crushing for me, my co-workers, and all that knew her, cared for her, and loved her. It’s no exaggeration to say she inspired generations. It’s hard to imagine Como without her”.
In honor of the long, inspirational life of Amanda, Mayor Carter has officially declared Monday, December 19th, 2022, Amanda the Orangutan Day in Saint Paul.
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