Sad News From Popcorn Park Zoo In Lacey Township

Courtesy of the Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park Zoo

Zoe…Rest In Peace

Sadly, at the age of 13, Zoe has passed away. Zoe had been acting fine and doing great up until a week ago last Monday when she came in for her dinner and then decided not to eat. Tuesday, when she went out she seemed a little off, but then wouldn’t come into her den Tuesday night.

Our park veterinary staff met Wednesday morning and decided to sedate her for examination. Upon exam, some masses were felt in her abdomen. Zoe was immediately brought inside to our clinic for emergency surgery. Drs. Stassa Ferikes and Jonathan Bergmann performed surgery to remove numerous tumors from her abdomen. It was determined that one of these masses, called liposarcomas, had ruptured and is what caused Zoe’s rapid decline. Zoe was in critical condition but we had to give it our best try to save her. All masses were removed and her abdomen flushed and we hoped for the best.

We made her comfortable for the night. Early the next morning at 5 a.m., our director and Dr. Bergmann checked up on her, gave her fluids, antibiotics and pain medication and she seemed to be doing a little better and was resting comfortably.

Sadly, she passed at 8:30 a.m. She had lived with her “sisters” Fiona and Camille since 2011 when the “Texas 7” arrived. They had lived in deplorable conditions at a private facility in Texas for years, not even having a place to go outside.

We are thankful for the time she shared with us. We’ll miss her “extra” loud purring as she came to the fence to greet us each morning looking for some attention, her rushing over to the gate when she saw the wheelbarrow or cart with her dinner in it starting to head her way. She loved being outside, which she had been deprived of for so many years, in that yard that she was able to call her own.