Latest news with #Suren
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Detroit Zoo announces passing of beloved Bactrian camel, Rusty
The Detroit Zoo is mourning the loss of a beloved male Bactrian camel, who was euthanized last week, according to a post on the zoo's official Facebook page. The camel, named Rusty, became a member of the zoo family after arriving from Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2009. During his 16 years at the Detroit Zoo, Rusty formed a deep bond with his mate, Suren, and together they raised four offspring, the zoo reported. "Though he was a bit shorter in stature than most camels, his thick, dark coat and strong, stocky build made him an unforgettable presence. His full winter coat was truly a sight to behold!" the zoo's post reads. The zoo did not share Rusty's age or prompted his euthanasia, but the zoo shared appreciation for the veterinary and care teams that supported the animal "through his later years." In 2023, the Detroit Zoo announced the passing of Humphrey, a 9-year-old camel that was an offspring of Rusty and Suren. Humphrey reportedly developed stiffness and mobility issues and was diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritis in multiple limbs. After the disease progressed and veterinary staff no longer had a way to provide relief, he was euthanized. Bactrian camels, the heaviest members of the camel family, have two humps, unlike the single hump of its Arabian relatives, according to National Geographic. The humps are used to store fat, which can be converted into water and energy, the publication reports. Like Arabian camels, Bactrians rarely sweat, helping them conserve fluids for long periods of time. When camels do drink, though, they can devour an incredible amount of water, reaching up to 30 gallons in only 13 minutes, according to National Geographic. Habitat: Asian Forest Type: Mammals Diet: Herbivore Size: 7 feet tall at the humps Weight: Over 2,000 pounds Median life expectancy: 17 years This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Zoo announces death of beloved Bactrian camel, Rusty
CBS News
09-04-2025
- General
- CBS News
Detroit Zoo reports death of its camel Rusty
One of the camels that was a visitor favorite at Detroit Zoo has died, the zoo reported Tuesday. "With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rusty, the beloved male Bactrian camel, who was compassionately euthanized last week," the announcement said. "Rusty will be missed by all of us at the Detroit Zoo." Rusty arrived in 2009 from the Brookfield Zoo, and while in Detroit formed a deep bond with his mate Suren. The pair raised four offspring. The Bactrain camels are known for having two distinctive humps that store fat, to help provide energy to the animal when food is limited in the wild. "Though he was a bit shorter in stature than most camels, his thick, dark coat and strong, stocky build made him an unforgettable presence. His full winter coat was truly a sight to behold!," the zoo said in its report. "We are deeply grateful to our dedicated veterinary and animal care teams who supported Rusty through his later years."
