Phoenix ArtWorks

So sorry to hear about this.

Our beloved geriatric Woodland caribou, Tuktu passed away early yesterday after living her whole life as a much adored member of the Calgary Zoo family. Tuktu was 17-years old, and one of the oldest of her subspecies under human care. Losing any of the animals we love and care for is heartbreaking, especially when we have loved and cared for them since birth.

Tuktu was recently treated by our dedicated veterinary team for a cancerous growth on her left eyelid. Subsequent consultation with veterinary oncologists suggested it was likely that the eyelid mass was indicative of a primary tumor elsewhere in Tuktu’s body. As such, further testing was pursued by our veterinarians to identify the potential primary site of cancer, at which time lung lesions were identified on x-ray. Findings during the post mortem examination yesterday supported suspicions of primary lung cancer in Tuktu.

Tuktu’s legacy lives on in her daughter, Vanilla and granddaughter, Mica, both of whom live at the Calgary Zoo. She will be lovingly remembered by her caregivers for her calm, gentle and inquisitive personality.