Yes, I did Arizona Docent
As a die hard zoo enthusiast with a special interest in Hoofed Mammals, I had the time of my life, I tell you, any zoochatter would salivate seeing a lot of these species in one place in one day. I was especially impressed with the Jentinks duiker, Bushbucks, Red brockets and Bornean bearded pigs
Unfortunately he is not doing all that well, they had to put him off exhibit for a couple days because he got sick, he is getting REALLY old and seems slower, I tell you it really makes me sad, on the plus side I am glad he is still alive, and we need to enjoy him and appreciate him while he is around
Statement from the zoo on the loss of this unique antelope:
"The Gladys Porter Zoo staff mourns the loss of one of its most unique and endangered creatures. Taz, a male Jentink’s duiker, passed away in his behind-the-scenes quarters during the night of Thursday, December 19. The duiker had reached an advanced age of over 17 years, and had been monitored for the past year by Zoo veterinary staff for chronic kidney disease. The necropsy, conducted earlier today, revealed that the cause of death was pneumonia brought on by failing kidneys.He was the last known living specimen held in a Zoo anywhere in the world.
Taz was born at the Zoo on June 19, 1996 to the last wild-caught female from Africa and was sired by a Zoo-born male. After the demise of his sire in March of 2007, he became the sole animal on exhibit, and was visited by researchers and animal enthusiasts from near and far."
A pitty he passed away-but 17 years is a really good Age for a duiker.Unfortunately, there were to less of that species in human care to create a Population of them-so more it is important to protect them in their natural Habitat.
