05/29/2026
We have sad news to share. Last week, Quila, our female juvenile pudu, was found deceased in the habitat before the Zoo opened. This prompted us to examine Riley, Gizmo, and the newest baby. After an examination by Veterinary and Animal Care staff, all three pudus appeared to be in good health. However, prey species often mask illness, and some diseases progress quickly. On Wednesday morning, the newest baby pudu also passed away.
We suspect a bacterial or viral illness, to which juvenile and newborn pudus are more vulnerable. We are awaiting further test results to determine the exact cause of their passing. Animal Care and Veterinary Hospital staff have been closely monitoring parents Riley and Gizmo. As of now, they appear healthy.
This is hard news for our entire Zoo family, as we had just celebrated the birth of our newest pudu baby, whom you all have quickly fallen in love with, both virtually and in-person. We have the honor of caring for these animals every day, but with that responsibility comes the burden of
loss.
Thank you all for your support for our staff and volunteers during this difficult time.
