Fluffy the camel has died at Zoo Miami after a long illness. ‘He will be missed’
Zoo Miami is mourning a beloved family member.
On Wednesday, the attraction announced that Fluffy, a dromedary camel, had been “humanely euthanized” the day before. The 16-year-old male had a long struggle with degenerative joint disease.
Zoo officials had to make the “very difficult decision” to put down the animal after various treatments no longer proved beneficial as the disease progressed, according to a statement.
For over two years, Fluffy had been receiving pain management medications and laser therapy to provide him with a good quality of life.
Fluffy, a staff fave, was also popular with visitors, as part of the zoo’s Interactive Programs department, frequently seen leaning his long neck over his enclosure to be fed by kids and adults.
He arrived at Zoo Miami in November 2007 from a facility in Wisconsin, a zoo spokesman said.
“His gentle personality and outgoing nature made him a perfect animal ambassador,” the zoo said in a statement. “He will be profoundly missed, but hopefully the countless memories that he provided will help to keep him alive in the hearts of many.”
The dromedary is known for its single hump to store fat, and to live without food for extended periods. They are especially adapted for life in the desert, with wide, padded feet and the ability to close their eyes, ears, nose and mouth to protect themselves against sand storms.
The zoo has mourned other animals in recent months. In August, Zumang the orangutan, 44, was put under anesthesia for a dental procedure and stopped breathing shortly after waking up.
The next month, a meerkat named Gizmo died after being stuck in a tunnel that collapsed in his habitat. In July 2020, a 6-month-old meerkat named Ginger also died in a tunnel collapse.
This story was originally published January 5, 2022 at 3:37 PM.
