SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Feb. 1, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Utah’s Hogle Zoo is mourning the loss of a popular member of its animal family.
The zoo posted on its Facebook page on Monday that 40-year-old sloth Kohlrabie passed away from kidney failure.
Her keeper Janice Thompson said she reached a ripe old age for a sloth, and had lived at the zoo for about 20 years.
“We loved taking care of her,” said Thompson. “She was just an amazing animal. I loved how many people got to meet her in person for guest connections. People would actually cry sometimes because of the joy in meeting Kohlrabie. The zoo isn’t the same without her. It was an honor to care for such a special animal.”
Community relations coordinator for the zoo Erica Hansen said it’s a little too early to decide whether Kohlrabie will be replaced.
“Our mast planning committee is figuring out what the next steps are for the zoo,” said Hansen. “I do know that zoo guests and staff as well would love to have another one.”
The post about Kohlrabie on Facebook had received nearly 1,000 likes and 175 comments by Monday afternoon. One comment read: “She was amazing, she is the reason my daughter is wanting to study such interesting animals. Sending hugs to her keepers and everyone who loved her.”
Another read: “She was never awake when we were at the zoo, but the boys and I ALWAYS looked for her, and took pictures of her, even when all we could see was a ‘lump of brown fur’ in her hammock. It’ll be sad to visit and not be able to look for her now.
“Condolences to all the staff there at the zoo on her passing.”
You should get another sloth