Many animals can be a protected species. For example: a tiger is a protected species. Its body parts such as their claws, fur, and whiskers are even protected. Cremation of a protected animal, such as a tiger, would help protect their remains from falling into the wrong hands. Whether buried or cremated, secrecy of the final resting place is usually standard practice.
Some zoos might choose to perform taxidermy or assemble a skeletal mount of the animal for educational purposes. These either go to a museum or are used as educational tools for future veterinarians or zoologists.
A zoo crematory with an I-beam hoist.Photo byColorado Martini
The death of a zoo animal is hard on everyone. I can’t imagine how hard it would be for those who have provided care to that animal for multiple years. I am sure decisions about a zoo animal death is not taken lightly and very hard for all zoo staff.
Have you ever noticed the crematorium at the Denver Zoo? Let us know in the comments.
Even the public is saddened by the death of a beloved zoo animal. I have seen grave markers or memorial at zoos. So, families and staff can pay their respects to the adored animal. Below are Find-a-grave profiles of just a few burials at zoos.
Gomek the Crocodile: Born 1917, Papua New Guinea. Died 1997 at age 79–80. Taxidermy remains at St. Augustine Florida’s Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Cause of Death: heart attack
Ruby Elephant: Born 1973, Thailand. Died 1998 age 24–25, Phoenix, Arizona. Ruby became famous for her paintings. At the age of twenty-five, during childbirth Ruby had complications which caused her to be euthanized. The baby was twice the size of a normal baby elephant and had died, but had caused the uterus to tear, which caused an infection. Buried at the zoo.
Velox the polar bear's memorial at the Denver Zoo.Photo byColorado Martini
Ken “The Hairy Houdini” Allen: Born 1971 San Diego County, California. Died 2000 age 29 in San Diego County. Buried at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido, CA. Ken Allen was a beloved orangutan at the San Diego Zoo, known for his many legendary escapes. He was born at the zoo to Borneo orangutans Bob and Maggie. In November of 2000, it was confirmed he had a rare, fast-spreading cancer. Ken Allen was euthanized on Friday at 11:05 AM, December 1, 2000. He was 29. A memorial plaque was placed in the San Diego Zoo and buried at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido CA.
Velox Polar Bear: Born 1934. Died 1961 (aged 26–27) Denver Zoo. Polar Bear Velox Memorial. An exceptional polar bear who delighted two generations of Denver children. Mascot of 31st Reg.7th Inf. Div U.S. Army.
Sculpture in memory of Ulu, the mother of Klondike & Snow and Ulaq & Berit at the Denver Zoo.Photo byColorado Martini
Klondike and Snow the Polar Bears: The twin polar bear cubs were born on November 6, 1994, at the Denver Zoo. They were born by a first-time mom named Ulu. Ulu later abandoned the cubs. A bear keeper at the zoo found the two cubs nearly frozen to death in the bear den.Klondike died 2013 at age 18 at SeaWorld Orlando, FL. Burial details unknown. He had died in his sleep. The causes were not known at this time. Snow died on September 2, 2012, due to a heart condition. Both were favorites at the Denver Zoo.
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