Evansville's Mesker Park Zoo announces death of Baird's tapir Huey

Evansville Courier & Press

Huey, a 26-year-old Baird's tapir living at Mesker Park Zoo's Amazonia exhibit, was euthanized earlier this week after he was found to suffer from several age-related ailments.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Huey, the Baird's tapir that called Mesker Park Zoo's Amazonia exhibit home since its opening, died earlier this week. He was 26.

In a statement, the zoo said he was euthanized because he suffered from age-related health issues.

"'It never gets any easier' is a mantra often repeated among animal care staff here at the Zoo," the statement on Mesker Park's Facebook page read. "Though we are no strangers to the circle of life, the passing of a beloved animal, friend, and family member is one of the hardest aspects we encounter as professionals who work with animals every single day."

Zookeeper Denny Vogt encourages the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Gardens' Baird's tapir to try a frozen fruit treat in July of 2010.

Huey was struggling with his appetite for months and was underweight, according to the zoo. The animal care team worked to ensure that he was receiving proper care and nutrition, but a recent examination found that he suffered from "age-induced issues with heart and liver functionality," which led to the decision to euthanize him.

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Huey was born at Zoo Miami in 1994. He moved to Evansville in 2008 with the opening of Amazonia and has lived here since. He enjoyed treats, enrichment time with his caretakers and spending time with Billie the capybara and the birds in his enclosure.

"During this time (he) also captured the hearts of many with his exotic appearance, relaxed personality, and calming presence. Those who worked closely with him are grieved at his passing as we know many of his fans will be as well," the zoo said.

Baird's tapirs live in the rainforests of South and Central America. The herbivores are endangered, with an estimated fewer than 6,000 of them in the wild. They continue to be threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, according to the zoo.

Huey was one of the oldest Baird's tapirs in human care in North America, the zoo said.