Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s recent string of animal deaths has left the staff in profound sadness, prompting a temporary closure to mourn the loss of three beloved animals within a short period this month. During a briefing, the zoo’s president and CEO, Jeremy Goodman, expressed the difficulty faced by staff as visitors inquired about the tragic events, making it a challenging time for the facility.
The zoo took the decisive step of closing its doors on Saturday, Feb. 17 to allow staff members to grieve the loss of the three animals, as reported by local news outlets. Goodman noted that while the number of recent mammal deaths may seem high, it falls within the typical range experienced by the facility. Informal audits have shown that the zoo typically experiences between 15 to 25 mammal deaths annually, a statistic in line with other similar-sized zoos nationally and internationally.
Among the animals mourned by the zoo’s staff were Mrithi, a 31-year-old silverback gorilla who passed away on Feb. 1, Tsuni, a 2-year-old elephant calf who succumbed to a fast-moving elephant virus on Feb. 15, and Hawk, an 18-year-old California sea lion who died a day later. Sadly, both Mrithi and Hawk perished during sedation procedures meant to diagnose recent illnesses, highlighting the risks involved in caring for animals in captivity.
Jill Nizan, director of conservation operations with American Humane, remarked that the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s reported deaths over the past year fall within the expected range for a facility of its size with a large animal collection. Nizan commended the facility’s adherence to high standards for animal welfare, a reputation maintained for over seven years since receiving certification from American Humane.
Goodman emphasized the parallels between zoo life and human life, noting that just as births and milestones are celebrated, the facility has recently had to share in the sorrow of losses and tragedies. Acknowledging the importance of staff well-being, especially their mental health, the zoo prioritized a closure to ensure their employees had time to process and grieve. Additionally, the monitoring and investigation of animal deaths in zoos are overseen by organizations like the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, responding to requests from top zoo accreditation bodies to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and visitors.
As a respected authority in the zoo community, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) provides accreditation recognized as a top-notch standard for zoos worldwide, underscoring the importance of upholding rigorous standards to safeguard animals and guests alike. The absence of requests for an investigation by the Pittsburgh Zoo as of last week Friday, as confirmed by Robert Hilsenroth, executive director of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, highlights the continued commitment of the facility to maintaining the highest standards of care and welfare for its animal residents.