PITTSBURGH (PTTP) – The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium was closed last Saturday (Feb. 17)
following recent animal deaths.
On Wednesday, Feb. 21 the zoo publicly announced, across its social media, that its beloved sea
lion, Seahawk (Hawk), passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 16. According to the
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Facebook page, “Hawk had been exhibiting unusual behaviors and
refused food for several days. Due to his ailment, Hawk was unable to voluntarily participate in
cooperative diagnostic behavior. To diagnose Hawk’s condition, the team proceeded with a
routine sedation. Sedation of a compromised animal carries a certain risk and, unfortunately,
likely due to his illness, Hawk experienced an adverse reaction and did not survive the
procedure.” He was 18 years old.
While it is currently unclear as to whether Hawk’s abrupt death on Friday led to Saturday’s
closure, this marks the third animal death within three weeks.
Tsuni, the zoo’s adored elephant calf passed away on Thursday, Feb. 15 after a battle with
elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). The Facebook page stated that “Tsuni’s EEHV
was detected through routine blood testing on February 8, even though she presented no visible
clinical signs. The effects of the virus progressed very quickly and, despite immediate treatment
and support, she did not survive.” Young elephants are more susceptible to contracting EEHV,
she was 2 years old.
The first gorilla born at the Pittsburgh Zoo, Mrithi, died on Feb. 1. According to the Facebook
page, “Mrithi had recently been exhibiting mobility problems and spinal issues were suspected.
Despite medical treatment, the 31-year-old gorilla went into a sudden decline this week and
passed away today during an anesthetic procedure to help determine the cause of his symptoms.”
Mrithi’s four children all continue to live at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Despite being closed last Saturday, to give staff time to grieve these recent losses, the Pittsburgh
Zoo & Aquarium has returned to its normal schedule.