Meerkat fell victim to rare brain tumor that is hereditary and unpreventable
COAL VALLEY, Iowa (Oct. 7, 2016)– A five-year old male meerkat at Niabi Zoo was euthanized earlier this week as a result of rapidly-progressing, rare and unpreventable brain tumor.
Animal care staff determined the meerkat was losing neurological functions. Keepers had been monitoring and caring for the animal in all possible ways for a few weeks, but the situation progressed quickly and was affecting the animal’s quality of life.
“Sadly, all species can fall prey to disease and systematic issues that – while rare – can take a life,” said Lee Jackson, zoo director. “The meerkat is no exception. These types of tumors impact neurological functions and are hereditary. Care or environment are not indicated factors in studied diagnosis. It was humane to euthanize, and we are all very saddened by the loss.”
The deceased animal was part of a trio of meerkats that arrived at the Niabi zoo at the beginning of the 2016 season. The male meerkat that died was born at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownville, Texas and came to Niabi in October 2015.
The hereditary neurological issue – which is not contagious – was not detected upon arrival at the zoo because it is nearly impossible to diagnose prior to symptoms being displayed.
The two remaining meerkats are not presenting any symptoms of the tumor and will remain at the zoo. A third meerkat will not be reintroduced to the group as the animals are territorial and don’t accept outsiders.
To learn more about the meerkat exhibit at Niabi Zoo, please contact Lee Jackson at ljackson@niabizoo.com.
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Niabi Zoo gives visitors from the Quad Cities and beyond an opportunity to explore more than 40 acres of animal exhibits, including more than 140 species from Africa, Australia, Asia, and North America. As part of its mission, the zoo strives to connect the community with the natural world through conservation leadership and engaging educational experiences. Through its exhibits, educational programs, outreach efforts, field trips and more, the Zoo strives to instill a sense of care and understanding for wild animals in both children and adults. To learn more about Niabi Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com.
Niabi Zoo closes on Oct. 30 for the 2016 season.
