Peterborough’s Riverview Park and Zoo has announced the passing of Yao Ming, a male Sichuan takin.
“He had been experiencing a decline in his overall health and body condition over the last few months,” reads a media release from the Riverview Park and Zoo on Friday (June 7). “Extensive diagnostics, research, and testing had been done by our animal health team to help determine the cause and treatment.”
Despite these efforts, Yao Ming died suddenly overnight at the age of nine. To determine the cause of death, the zoo has sent his remains to the Guelph University Animal Health Laboratory in Kempsville.
Native to Tibet and some provinces in China, Sichuan takins live in the same dense bamboo forests as giant panda. Although they are considered a national treasure of China along with the giant panda and have the highest legal protection, they are threatened by ongoing poaching and habitat destruction.
The Sichuan takins at the Riverview Park and Zoo are part of a species survival plan that ensure that healthy numbers of certain species of animals live in captivity to prevent their extinction.
Often referred to as a goat-antelope species, Sichuan takins are golden in colour and appear to have the horns of a wildebeest, the nose of a moose, and the body of a bison. They normally live between 16 to 18 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in captivity.
“We would like to especially thank our consulting veterinarian Dr. John Sallaway and his team of health experts and specialist who offered their knowledge and support in the diagnosis and treatment of the beloved takin,” the zoo states.
“As well, we extend our gratitude and condolences to the caring zookeepers who had given extra attention to Yao Ming’s special needs and health over his lifetime at Riverview Park and Zoo.”
“His loss will be significantly felt in the community, and he will be sorely missed by his (Riverview Park and Zoo) team.”
