Detroit Zoo Puts Down Unwell Trumpeter Swan

ROYAL OAK, MI — A trumpeter swan that was dealing with health issues was sadly euthanized by the Detroit zoo, officials announced Tuesday.

The bird, Ron Swanson, was a favorite by zoo officials, who had been looking after him since 2002. Over the years, however, Ron began developing a chronic foot issue, which ultimately prevented him from walking, and zoo officials decided on humane euthanasia.

"While some trumpeter swans have a reputation for being territorial or stand-offish, Ron was the exact opposite," zoo officials said. "He was a gentle bird and would even swim over to the shoreline and patiently wait to be hand-fed some of his diet when animal care staff approached the lake."

Ron also enjoyed spending time on his private island in the lake with his mate Leslie Knope, who the zoo said was hanging with the American pelicans in their aardvark grotto and is "doing well." Both birds were named after major "Parks and Recreation" characters, zoo officials said.