Furahi, a 16-year-old male zebra was euthanized at Woodland Park Zoo today after being found unable to stand and suffering from apparent seizure activity. Zebras can live 20 to 30 years in the wild and up to 40 years in zoos.

The zoo’s animal health team responded immediately after a zookeeper discovered the zebra was experiencing seizures on the African Savanna. Despite urgent medical aid, the convulsions continued and the veterinarian made the decision to euthanize the animal in distress. This zebra had been under long-term veterinary care for a chronic medical condition.

The zoo will perform a necropsy (animal autopsy) and a final cause of death is pending complete results of histology and other diagnostic testing. The remains will become part of the research and education collection at The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.

Furahi was born at Woodland Park Zoo and did not have any offspring. One zebra, a 9-year-old female, remains at the zoo.

For more information about the zoo, visit http://www.zoo.org.