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Moose at Potter Park Zoo euthanized after becoming ill

Posted at 6:05 PM, May 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-19 18:05:08-04

LANSING, Mich. (WSYM) - Staff at Potter Park Zoo are mourning the loss of a moose.

Five-year-old Willow, a female Alaskan moose, was euthanized Friday after suddenly becoming ill.

Willow was found in the morning unable to get up.

“The zoo team is deeply saddened by this tragic and unexpected loss,” said Zoo Director Cynthia Wagner. “Willow was an incredible ambassador for her species and was loved by all who visited Potter Park Zoo. She will be deeply missed by our team.”

The specific cause of Willow’s illness will not be known until after completion of a necropsy.

Results are expected within the next few weeks.

A male moose named Meeko who was also orphaned in Alaska joined her in 2014. The zoo's moose exhibit opened in June 2016.

Willow was brought to the zoo in 2013.