A longtime staple of the David Traylor Zoo has passed away.
“Moo” an 11-and-a-half-year-old longhorn steer has died. Zoo Director Lisa Keith says the steer was having some difficulties this past week and that’s when zoo officials contacted its veterinarian Dr. Richard Mendoza. After several days of supportive care, antibiotics and pain medications, Moo passed away.
Preliminary results of necropsy (autopsy) show the steer died of natural causes secondary to intestinal cancer. Tissue samples have been sent to the Kansas State University Diagnostic lab to rule out any other infectious causes.
Moo came to the zoo in 2007 and quickly stole the hearts of zoo staff and visitors. Keith says Moo was a sweet, big clunky fella that loved head scratches and treats and will be missed by many.
The median lifespan of a longhorn is 12-14 years.
