Royal Oak, Michigan, November 27, 2025
The Detroit Zoo is mourning the passing of Tula, a 6-year-old Bactrian camel who was humanely euthanized due to health issues. Tula had been battling a degenerative ligament condition that impaired her mobility despite initial treatments. Known for her lively personality, Tula was a favorite among visitors and staff. The zoo assured continued support for the remaining camel herd as they cope with this loss, highlighting the importance of their compassionate animal care policies.
Royal Oak, Michigan – The Detroit Zoo is grieving the loss of Tula, a 6-year-old Bactrian camel, who was humanely euthanized on November 24 due to a decline in health. This delicate decision comes after Tula had been under the care of the zoo’s dedicated animal care teams for over a year, battling a degenerative ligament condition that compromised her mobility. Despite initial treatment showing promise, her condition ultimately worsened, necessitating the humane choice to alleviate her suffering.
Born at the Detroit Zoo in 2019, Tula was known for her vibrant personality and remarkable intelligence, endearing herself to both the animal care staff and the many visitors fortunate enough to interact with her. The zoo expressed its profound sadness over her passing, assuring that they will continue to provide unwavering support to the remaining members of the camel herd as they process this loss.
The Detroit Zoo remains home to four Bactrian camels: Rusty, Suren, Tula, and Rusi. These remarkable creatures are uniquely adapted to thrive in extreme climates, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Characterized by their two humps, which store energy in the form of fat, Bactrian camels are also distinguished by their large, sturdy feet, allowing them to traverse sandy terrains efficiently, and their long eyelashes designed to shield their eyes from dust and debris. Tula’s passing follows a similar loss of another camel, Humphrey, who was euthanized earlier due to chronic mobility issues. The commitment of the Detroit Zoo towards compassionate animal care remains resolute as they continue to nurture their camel herd through this challenging period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the cause of Tula’s death?
Tula was humanely euthanized after a recent decline in health due to a degenerative ligament condition affecting her mobility. Despite initial positive responses to treatment, her condition worsened, leading to the decision to euthanize her to prevent further suffering.
How old was Tula?
Tula was 6 years old at the time of her passing.
What is a Bactrian camel?
Bactrian camels are a species of camel characterized by their two humps, which store fat to provide energy when food is scarce. They are well-adapted to survive in a wide range of temperatures and climates, withstanding conditions from -20 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Bactrian camels are also known for their large feet, which allow them to walk without sinking into sand, and their long, thick eyelashes that protect their eyes from blowing dust and debris.
How many Bactrian camels does the Detroit Zoo have?
The Detroit Zoo is home to four Bactrian camels: Rusty, Suren, Tula, and Rusi.
Has the Detroit Zoo experienced other recent animal losses?
Yes, the Detroit Zoo recently euthanized another camel, Humphrey, who had been experiencing mobility issues for several years. The zoo remains committed to providing compassionate care for all its animals and continues to support the well-being of the entire camel herd during this difficult time.
Key Features of the Detroit Zoo’s Bactrian Camels
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Bactrian Camels | Four: Rusty, Suren, Tula, and Rusi |
| Adaptability | Survive in temperatures ranging from -20 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Physical Characteristics | Two humps storing fat, large feet for walking on sand, long thick eyelashes protecting eyes |
| Recent Losses | Tula (euthanized November 24, 2025), Humphrey (euthanized recently due to mobility issues) |
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