An elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo is under observation after an incident on September 2, when she fell in her outdoor habitat. According to a statement posted by the zoo on Facebook, Ruth, a 43-year-old member of the zoo’s three-elephant herd, lost her footing on a log following “aggressive behavior from a herdmate.”
The fall left Ruth lying on her side and struggling to stand due to her age and position. The zoo noted that all three elephants in its care are considered geriatric. “Ruth remained down but continued actively trying to get back up on her own, although her age and position made that difficult. In their 40s, all three members of the Zoo’s elephant herd are considered geriatric,” the statement read.
The zoo referenced data from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums indicating that the median life expectancy for a female African savanna elephant in human care is 39.4 years old.
To assist Ruth, staff implemented an established protocol for lifting large animals unable to rise. “As soon as Ruth fell and was unable to rise, the Zoo began implementing its planned protocol to lift a down animal, which includes alerting the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team (HURT) as well as Dawes Rigging and Crane,” according to the zoo.
Preparation for such incidents involves regular training with both internal teams and outside responders. “The Zoo’s animal care team, as well as our grounds, forestry, and maintenance teams, regularly train through drills and prepare with the HURT team for an incident such as this. Dawes has long been part of the Zoo’s response plan, as well,” officials said.
A front-load vehicle was used during the rescue effort. “A front-load vehicle, operated by one of the Zoo’s vehicle machine operators and carefully guided by our elephant care coordinator, provided leverage for Ruth to ultimately be able to get up on her own and walk into the indoor habitat. From there, the Zoo’s veterinary team performed an exam to assess Ruth’s wellbeing. She will continue to be monitored closely and is doing well,” according to information released by the zoo.
The zoo later updated its statement confirming that Ruth was walking and standing after receiving assistance.
