The Racine Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its "most unique residents."
The zoo said 18-year-old May, a West Caucasian Tur, died on Dec. 17. May died due to complications of old age.
“May was an amazing, charismatic member of her species, and we are so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such a special animal,” said Aszya Summers, Curator of Animal Care and Conservation Education at the Racine Zoo. “May has left a hole in our hearts, and I know I speak for many when I say she will be dearly missed."
May arrived in Racine in 2005. There are only about 2,000 West Caucasian Turs in the wild, the zoo said. May "considerably" surpassed the life expectancy of a Tur, which is only 12 years.
May's mate Tavek is now the last remaining West Caucasian Tur living in an AZA-accredited facility in the U.S., the zoo said.
