Bison have been a familiar feature at Elgin’s Lords Park Zoo since the beginning of the 20th century. Yesterday, the zoo lost one of its two remaining bison inhabitants when 24-year-old Becky was humanely euthanized.
Becky arrived at the Lords Park Zoo in February 2013 with one of the zoo’s other bison, Drew. Laura, the park’s third bison, joined Drew and Becky in November 2016. Drew, also 24 years old, died from natural causes in September.
The normal life expectancy for bison in captivity is 25 to 30 years.
On Sunday, staff discovered that Becky was unable to get up by herself or with assistance. Following a veterinary exam, Becky was euthanized surrounded by her caretakers, a team committed to providing the best possible care to the animals at the zoo.
Similar to Drew, Becky will be brought to the University of Illinois to determine any other issues that may have impacted her health.
Staff discussion is underway on bringing new bison to the park, although plans have yet to be formalized.
