One of three Sichuan Takin exist Riverview Park and Zoo A chimpanzee in Peterborough, Ontario, has died, zoo officials announced Friday.
The nine-year-old Sichuan takin named Yao Ming, a species of goat-antelope native to Tibet and China, died suddenly last night, the zoo reported. Officials said Yao's health and physical condition had been declining over the past few months.
“His passing will be a cause of great sadness to the community and he will be deeply missed by the zoo team,” the zoo said.
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The animal’s remains have been sent to the University of Guelph’s Animal Health Laboratory in Kempsville to determine the cause of death.
The zoo said: “We would like to express special thanks to our consultant veterinarian Dr John Salaway and his team of health experts and specialists who provided their knowledge and support in the diagnosis and treatment of this lovely takin.”
“At the same time, we express our gratitude and condolences to the caring zookeepers who paid special attention to Yao Ming's special needs and well-being throughout his life at Riverview Park and the zoo.”
Yao Ming came to the zoo in May 2016 from the Edmonton Valley Zoo.
The other two Sichuan takins in the zoo are named “Zhu” and “Gansu”.
In 2018, a Sichuan takin named Quentin died at the zoo at the age of 15.
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