A ‘very sweet’ American miniature horse has died at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, staff say, the last of that species living at the facility.
The zoo shared the news in a post on its Facebook page Tuesday, saying Daybreak died at 37 years old—an advanced age for a miniature horse.
Zoo officials say she received treatment for several health conditions in recent years, including arthritis, equine asthma, and kidney failure.
Despite this, they say Daybreak was doing reasonably well until last week, when her health took a ‘sudden turn for the worst.’
“Following a physical examination and quality of life assessment, the animal care and veterinary teams determined that euthanasia was the most humane course of action given Daybreak’s existing health conditions and age,” the post said.
According to a zoo spokesperson, Daybreak arrived at the zoo in 1989 from a farm in Ontario, living most of her life in Winnipeg.
Staff describe Daybreak as a very sweet and easygoing horse who loved trotting around the facility on enrichment walks. She was very good with people, letting many visitors pet her over the years.
“Daybreak, and all the miniature horses at the zoo, left a big impression on those who worked with them. Please join us in offering condolences to the animal care team, past and present, who loved and cared for Daybreak,” the post said.
A zoo spokesperson said with Daybreak’s loss, the animal care team will review the possibility of bringing in new animals, taking into consideration the mix of remaining species and animals at Aunt Sally’s Farm and in the neighbouring Boreal Forest section.
“They don’t have any immediate plans to share at this time,” the spokesperson said in an email.
