DES MOINES, Iowa — Blank Park Zoo officials announced that 8-year-old Tuya the Bactrian camel passed away Thursday. The camel was humanely euthanized due to a poor quality of life cause by progressing joint disease.
Officials say veterinary and animal cares staff tried multiple methods to control the camel's pain but were unsuccessful.
“As the oldest camel in our herd, Tuya served as the confident matriarch over the young camels and is missed by the herd and the keepers,” said Jordan Longtin, assistant supervisor of large mammals at Blank Park Zoo.
Tuya had two offspring and one grand offspring that live at other zoos.
Tuya came to Blank Park Zoo in 2013. Four Bactrian camels remain at the zoo.
