The Edmonton Valley Zoo recently had to euthanize Tuyaa, a beloved member of their camel family, due to complications from hyperparathyroidism. Tuyaa was only three years old at the time of her passing, and the zoo staff expressed their heartbreak over the decision in a social media post. Tuyaa had been experiencing shifting lameness in her hind legs since March, which continued to worsen despite ongoing treatment and medication. For the past two weeks leading up to her euthanization, Tuyaa was unable to stand on her own without assistance and suffered from increased complications as a result.
Born to Genghis and Dolly, Tuyaa was a significant part of the zoo’s camel herd and brought joy to the staff during a challenging time amidst the pandemic. Her care team described her as a confident and nurturing calf, with her mother Dolly being a natural caregiver. The staff spent a significant amount of time with Tuyaa during her early months, forming a special bond with her and her mother. The name Tuyaa translates to ‘Ray of Light’ in Mongolian, reflecting the impact she had on those around her. The zoo staff expressed their deep love for Tuyaa and the significant loss they felt with her passing, as she will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
The zoo staff made the difficult decision to euthanize Tuyaa after exhausting all possible treatment options and seeing her condition continue to deteriorate. Despite their efforts in coordinating lifts, physiotherapy, pain control, and additional treatments, Tuyaa was unable to regain her ability to stand. The decision was made out of compassion for Tuyaa’s suffering and was a heartbreaking moment for all involved. The loss of Tuyaa was felt deeply by her care team, who worked tirelessly to provide her with the best possible care and support during her time at the zoo.
Tuyaa’s passing marks a significant loss for the Edmonton Valley Zoo and all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her presence brought joy and light to the zoo, and her absence will be deeply felt by both the staff and visitors. The zoo staff expressed their gratitude for the time they were able to spend with Tuyaa and the lessons they learned from her and her mother during their time together. Tuyaa’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who cared for her, and she will be remembered as a special and beloved member of the zoo’s camel family.
The Edmonton Valley Zoo shared the news of Tuyaa’s passing on social media, where they received an outpouring of love and support from the community. Many people expressed their condolences for the loss of Tuyaa and shared memories of their interactions with her at the zoo. Tuyaa’s impact on those around her was evident in the heartfelt messages and tributes shared in response to the news of her passing. The zoo staff thanked the community for their support during this difficult time and expressed their gratitude for the love and care shown to Tuyaa throughout her time at the zoo.
In memory of Tuyaa, the Edmonton Valley Zoo shared her story and the impact she had on those around her. Her passing serves as a reminder of the special bond between animals and their caretakers, as well as the profound loss felt when a beloved member of the animal family passes away. Tuyaa will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her memory will continue to bring light and joy to the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives. The Edmonton Valley Zoo will continue to honor Tuyaa’s legacy and the special place she held within their camel family.
