SEATTLE — A 16-year-old male zebra named Furahi was euthanized Friday at Woodland Park Zoo after he was found unable to stand and suffered from apparent seizures, according to the zoo’s spokesperson.
An animal health team immediately rushed to the African Savanna exhibit, where the zebra was found, when a zookeeper discovered the zebra experiencing seizures.
When the zebra was treated, the convulsions continued, and the veterinarian made the decision to euthanize him.
According to the zoo, Furahi was under long-term veterinary care for a chronic medical condition.
“We will perform a necropsy (animal autopsy), which is routine for all animal deaths at the zoo,” said Dr. Darin Collins, director of animal health at Woodland Park Zoo.
Furahi was born at Woodland Park Zoo and did not have any offspring. The zoo currently has one other zebra, a 9-year-old female.
"Our zookeepers and veterinary staff provide excellent day-to-day care for our animals and are impacted by the death of an animal,” said Martin Ramirez, curator of mammals at Woodland Park Zoo.
In a statement released by the zoo, a final cause of death is pending complete results of histology and other diagnostic testing.
The zoo said zebras can live 20-30 years in the wild and up to 40 years in zoos.
The remains will become part of the research and education collection at The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.