NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Zoo announced that they had to euthanized their 21-year-old Dexter cow, Ruthie, on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
The cow was exhibiting a lack of appetite and energy, as well as other unusual behaviors. She had been experiencing age-related ailments and mobility issues eventually began affecting her quality of life, the Zoo states.
A necropsy was performed and preliminary findings showed evidence of cancer, but the veterinary team was waiting on histopathology reports for final confirmation.
“Ruthie has been a long-time, beloved resident of our ZooFarm, where guests, Zoo staff and volunteers spent many days enjoying interactions with her in the petting yard,” the Zoo states, in a release.
Ruthie was born on July 14, 2002, and came to the Virginia Zoo on July 17, 2003. The average life expectancy for female Dexter cattle in managed care is about 20 years.
“Ruthie was a calm, sweet girl, always there to greet us in the morning and send off at the end of the day,” Martha Hamilton, Assistant Curator of the ZooFarm, said. “She loved attention and scratches from keepers and visitors, and I know we all will miss that, as with her sweet eyes and scratchy tongue.”
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