Reid Park Zoo Euthanizes Zuri the Zebra After Severe Injury

The 15-year-old Grevy's zebra sustained a fatal leg fracture during recovery from a routine hoof procedure.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:03pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting the silhouette of a zebra in a lush, green enclosure, with warm, diffused pools of light and color creating a melancholic, elegiac mood.The Reid Park Zoo community mourns the loss of Zuri, a beloved Grevy's zebra whose life was cut short by a severe injury.Tucson Today

Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, announced the euthanization of Zuri, a 15-year-old female Grevy's zebra, after she sustained a severe leg fracture while recovering from a routine procedure to treat her chronic laminitis condition. Zoo officials said the injury was not repairable, leading them to make the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Zuri.

Why it matters

Grevy's zebras are an endangered species, with only an estimated 2,000-3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Reid Park Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan to help sustain healthy zebra populations, making the loss of Zuri particularly impactful. The zoo's transparency about Zuri's care and the decision to euthanize also highlights the challenges and tough choices zoos face when caring for aging or injured animals.

The details

Zuri had been undergoing frequent hoof care treatments for laminitis, a chronic inflammatory condition, since arriving at Reid Park Zoo in 2023. As part of her treatment, Zuri had been anesthetized five times for the necessary hoof work. During her most recent procedure, Zuri fractured a large bone in her rear leg as she was waking up from the anesthesia. Due to the severity and location of the fracture, zoo veterinarians determined it could not be surgically repaired, leading them to make the difficult decision to euthanize Zuri.

  • Zuri arrived at Reid Park Zoo in 2023.
  • Zuri had been undergoing hoof care treatments for laminitis since arriving at the zoo.
  • Zuri was euthanized on April 3, 2026 after sustaining a severe leg fracture.

The players

Zuri

A 15-year-old female Grevy's zebra at Reid Park Zoo who was euthanized after sustaining a severe leg fracture.

Dr. Roth

The chief veterinarian at Reid Park Zoo who determined that Zuri's leg fracture was not repairable.

Nancy Kluge

The President and CEO of Reid Park Zoo who thanked the medical and care teams for their compassion and skill in caring for Zuri.

Anna

Another zebra at Reid Park Zoo who is the mother of a 9-month-old foal, and who is reported to be eating well and behaving normally following Zuri's death.

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What they’re saying

“Due to the type and location of the fracture it would not have been possible to surgically repair.”

— Dr. Roth, Chief Veterinarian, Reid Park Zoo

“Zuri will be remembered as a happy and confident animal who was very responsive to her care team.”

— Reid Park Zoo

“The veterinary and animal care teams made the decision to euthanize Zuri based on the poor prognosis and the severity of the injury.”

— Reid Park Zoo

“Staff went above and beyond to give her comfort during these last few months.”

— Nancy Kluge, President & CEO, Reid Park Zoo

What’s next

The zoo said staff will have access to a grief counselor as they process the loss of Zuri, and they are monitoring the facility's other zebras, including Anna and her nine-month-old foal, to ensure they are eating well and behaving normally.

The takeaway

The loss of Zuri, an endangered Grevy's zebra, is a tragic event for Reid Park Zoo and highlights the challenges zoos face in caring for aging or injured animals. However, the zoo's transparency about Zuri's care and the difficult decision to euthanize her shows their commitment to the well-being of their animals and their participation in conservation efforts for this endangered species.