Calgary Zoo euthanize 11-year-old camel Ollie

The Calgary Zoo and Wilder Institute are bidding farewell to 11-year-old Bactrian camel Ollie after he was euthanized Monday.

Zoo keepers say Ollie has been receiving care from the Animal Care, Health, and Welfare (ACHW) team for health issues related to a dysfunctional immune system.

“While this disease couldn’t be cured, with dedicated treatments, his ongoing well-being was exceptionally supported for many years,” the zoo said in a statement.

The institute adds that Ollie had lost a “significant” amount of weight and developed serious infections inside his legs, which made it difficult for Ollie to walk.

“Due to his chronic health issues and declining well-being, the compassionate decision was made to euthanize him,” it said.

Olie was born at the Toronto Zoo in 2011 and moved to Calgary in 2016.

He had a mate named Zsa Zsa, and together, the zoo says they helped educate the facility’s visitors about the plight of their species — which originates from Mongolia and Central Asia.

“With Zsa Zsa now on her own, our ACHW team will search for a new habitat mate for companionship in the near future,” the zoo said.

Bactrian camels live to be about 17 while in human care.

Despite his health difficulties, the zoo says that Ollie led an “exemplary quality of life as he navigated his health journey,” which it calls an example of care at the institute.

“[Ollie] served as an ambassador and an example that all of the animals we love and care for are unique and that it is our responsibility and honour to walk with them as they navigate their individual journeys — no matter how long that may be,” the statement continues.

“He will be greatly missed. Please keep the ACHW team in your thoughts during this difficult time.”