27 Feb RPZoo Gives “Gold Standard” Care In The Golden Years
At Roosevelt Park Zoo, the golden years shine a little brighter.
If you’re a regular at the Zoo, chances are you’re on a first-name basis with some of our most beloved residents. You’ve stood eye to eye with Kianga, our graceful giraffe matriarch, who turns 26 this summer — well beyond the median life expectancy of 20 years for giraffes in human care. You’ve admired Clover the leopard as she approaches her 18th birthday next month, still carrying herself with quiet confidence. You may have laughed at the unmistakable call of Dundee, the oldest kookaburra in human care, who turns 32 this spring. And for many families, no visit feels complete without stopping to see Cassie, our white-handed gibbon, who will celebrate an extraordinary 44 years this summer. Cassie has been a favorite for decades. Children who once rushed to see her swinging overhead now return with children of their own — and she continues to charm generation after generation. In many ways, these animals have grown up alongside our community.
While we celebrate these remarkable milestones, we also recognize an important truth: aging is inevitable. Just like us, animals experience changes as they grow older. Vision and hearing may fade. Joints may stiffen with arthritis. Teeth may wear down. Strength and balance fade. But at Roosevelt Park Zoo, aging doesn’t mean slowing down without support. It means receiving some of the most attentive, individualized care of their lives.
Many species in accredited zoos live longer than their wild counterparts, thanks to consistent nutrition, advanced veterinary medicine, and protection from predators. That longevity is something to celebrate — but it also brings responsibility. Senior animals require thoughtful adjustments and proactive care to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.
Behind the scenes, our animal care and veterinary teams work hand in hand to tailor plans for each aging resident. Meals are adjusted to meet changing nutritional needs, sometimes incorporating additional vitamins or joint-support supplements. For animals experiencing dental wear, foods may be softened to make chewing easier. Extra bedding cushions aging joints. Habitats are modified as mobility changes — smoother pathways, lowered perches, or easier access to favorite resting spots allow animals to move comfortably and confidently within their spaces.
Preventative care plays a vital role too. Joint supplements are provided to animals susceptible to cartilage erosion, helping to slow the progression of degenerative joint disease. Our veterinary team employs advanced treatments, including laser therapy to ease inflammation and discomfort. Routine bloodwork allows staff to monitor health trends over time, identifying subtle changes early. Voluntary X-rays help track how arthritis progresses so treatments can be adjusted with precision.
Perhaps most remarkable is the role the animals themselves play in their own healthcare. Through positive reinforcement training and years of trust-building, many of our residents voluntarily participate in medical behaviors. They present limbs and tails for blood draws, accept injections and vaccinations, stand calmly for X-rays, and even cooperate with hoof trims — an essential component of skeletal alignment and mobility for hoofed species like giraffes.
These training sessions are more than just medical preparation; they are moments of partnership. Because of the deep relationships built over the years between our animals and their caregivers, most procedures can be done without anesthesia, reducing stress and risk. And if an animal declines non-critical care, that choice is respected. Autonomy fosters trust, and trust allows for better care.
Equally important is keeping minds and bodies engaged. Senior animals continue to receive enrichment tailored to their abilities — puzzles to challenge problem-solving skills, safe physical activities to maintain flexibility and promote exercise, and social opportunities when appropriate. Aging does not mean inactivity; it simply means adapting activities to meet each individual where they are.
Providing “Gold Standard” care in the golden years is not just about extending life — it’s about protecting quality of life. It’s about ensuring Kianga continues to survey her habitat with quiet authority. It’s about supporting Clover’s steady stride, Dundee’s joyful calls, and Cassie’s enduring presence as she captivates yet another generation of Zoo visitors.
These animals have given our community decades of connection, education, and inspiration. In return, we are honored to give them comfort, dignity, and unwavering care.
At Roosevelt Park Zoo, the golden years are not an afterthought. They are a promise — that every animal who calls this place home will be cherished for a lifetime.
For more information, contact Roosevelt Park Zoo at (701)857-4166.