Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee recently announced the tragic death of a rare sitatunga antelope named Lief. The 7-year-old male antelope passed away after choking on the cap of a squeezable food pouch that had been left behind by a visitor. Despite efforts by a veterinarian to revive him, Lief ultimately succumbed to the obstruction. The zoo shared on Facebook that they do not allow squeezable pouches into the facility due to the potential harm they pose to animals, as the colorful lids could be mistaken for food by the animals.
In response to the incident, Brights Zoo emphasized the importance of following their rules for the safety of the animals in their care. The zoo’s policy prohibits the use of squeezable baby food pouches on the premises, citing concerns for animal safety. The tragic event prompted zoo officials to conduct bag searches, though some guests still managed to sneak in the prohibited items. These rules are in place to protect the animals from potential harm caused by items that could be harmful or dangerous to them. Lief had been a part of the Brights Zoo family since he was just one year old and still had many more years of life ahead of him.
The news of Lief’s untimely death sparked reactions from the public, with many expressing sorrow and incredulity at the disregard for the zoo’s rules that led to the tragedy. Some social media users highlighted the broader issue of trash getting into animal enclosures, pointing out that any foreign objects, not just food pouches, could pose a danger to the creatures in captivity. Sitatungas, like Lief, are rare swamp-dwelling antelopes known for their distinct long, splayed hooves. The lifespan of sitatungas can reach up to 22 years in human care, though their lifespan in the wild remains unknown.
Brights Zoo shared details about Lief’s life on their social media platforms, revealing that he was born on July 30, 2016, and tragically passed away on June 8, 2024. The loss of such a beloved animal has deeply affected the zoo staff and visitors, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations for the well-being of the animals. The incident has also sparked conversations about the broader issue of animal safety and the responsibility of guests to follow established guidelines to prevent harm to the creatures under the care of the zoo.
Fox News Digital reached out to Brights Zoo for further comment on the incident, but the zoo has not provided additional information at this time. The tragic death of Lief serves as a cautionary tale about the risks posed by seemingly harmless items that can inadvertently harm animals in captivity. In honoring his memory, Brights Zoo is striving to raise awareness about the importance of following rules and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals under their care. As the zoo continues to mourn the loss of Lief, they are also working to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future by enforcing strict policies to protect their animals.
