Calgary Zoo boar put down after long illness

Fern, a female wild boar who lived at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, pictured in an undated handout photo.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo says one of its longtime residents has died after a period of declining health.

In a social media post, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo said it made “the compassionate decision” to euthanize Fern, a female wild boar, after the animal had a period of declining health.

The zoo says a necropsy confirmed Fern had several degenerative changes consistent with old age, including severe osteoarthritis in multiple joints, significant tooth wear and loss, declining kidney function and cystic changes in her uterus.

Fern was born in April 2013 and joined the zoo in November of that year. She lived to nearly 13 years old and was just weeks shy of her birthday when she was put to sleep.

The zoo said Fern had a “remarkable span for her species,” and that the median life expectancy for a wild boar in human care is between 12 and 14 years.

“Throughout her time with us, Fern was a familiar and much-loved presence,” the zoo said in a social media post.

“Many guests enjoyed watching her wallow and observe her natural behaviour, and she held a special place with those who cared for her day to day.”

As the last wild boar in the zoo’s care, Fern’s habitat is vacant and the zoo says it is “thoughtfully considering its future.”