The Riverview Park and Zoo has announced the death of Quentin, a male Sichuan takin, at 15 years old.
“With his gentle nature and enigmatic appearance, Quentin was very popular with our visitors,” writes the zoo in a media release. “The first of our Sichuan takin, he came to Riverview in the spring of 2014 from the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg.”
According to the zoo, Quentin was suffering from severe metacarpal osteoarthritis for more than a year. Despite treatment, his health and mobility deteriorated significantly and he was no longer responding to medication.
The degenerative arthritis left Quenin unable to stand or walk, except for short periods. The zoo’s consulting veterinarian humanely euthanized Quentin this morning (May 14).
The Sichuan takin is a large goat antelope native to Tibet and the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, and Xinjiang in the People’s Republic of China. Both males and females have thick and curled horns that extend back above the head.
The species’ thick blonde coat is thought to have inspired the Greek legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece.
