The beloved 18-year-old Detroit Zoo camel Suren died this week after years of increasing mobility challenges due to osteoarthritis, according to the zoo.
Suren, whose name is the Mongolian word for "majestic," arrived at the zoo in 2009 when she was 9 months old. Zoo staff, volunteers and visitors knew Suren for her easygoing and gentle nature, according to a post by the zoo on Friday, July 31, that announced her death
.
Suren experienced increasing discomfort and mobility challenges related to osteoarthritis over the past several years, according to the post. Her animal care and veterinary teams explored treatments, including stem cell therapy and joint injections, to help maintain her comfort.
On Thursday, July 30, zookeepers observed that Suren
was unable to stand. She received additional supportive care and "every reasonable effort to help her," and her condition did not improve, according to the post by the zoo.
After careful evaluation, the zoo's veterinary and animal care teams "made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize her."
"These decisions are never easy, but they are rooted in a deep commitment to an animal’s well-being and quality of life," according to the zoo.
Suren's care team said she was a smart, natural leader who was always quick to pick up on training, according to the zoo.
She had multiple offspring and was an "exceptional mother," according to the zoo. Her mate, Rusty, died in 2025. Two of their offspring, Humphrey and Tula, have died in recent years after their battles with conditions impacting their mobility.
Suren and Rusty's offspring, Rusi, who was born July 31, 2017, is now the only Bactrian camel living at the zoo. The zoo team has identified a companion for her and "will continue to provide Rusi with the highest level of care" until the companion arrives, according to the zoo's post about Suren.
Bactrian camels are a critically endangered species, according to the zoo. They are usually about 7 feet tall at the humps and weigh over 2,000 pounds. Their median life expectancy is 17 years.
Suren will be deeply missed, according to the zoo.
"Throughout her many years at the Detroit Zoo, Suren touched the hearts of staff, volunteers and guests," according to the post. "She was loved by all who knew her."
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Beloved Detroit Zoo camel dies at age 18
