The cycle of life inevitably includes death, even within the carefully managed environments of zoos. Institutions like the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, responsible for thousands of animals, face this reality regularly. Recent losses, such as African lions Luke and Naba, and California sea lion Calli, highlight this constant presence. While visitors often see animal birthdays and celebrations, the procedures following an animal’s passing remain less visible. So, What Do Zoos Do With Animals That Die? Forget secret graveyards or elaborate funerals; the reality involves science, conservation, and careful handling.
The First Step: Understanding Through Necropsy
Almost immediately after an animal passes away at the zoo, whether naturally or through euthanasia, its journey continues in the pathology lab. Here, it undergoes a necropsy – the animal equivalent of a human autopsy. This procedure is standard practice across accredited zoos.
“All organs are evaluated, all joints are evaluated, diagnostic samples are taken, maybe even beyond what we took when the animal was alive,” explains Don Neiffer, chief veterinarian for the National Zoo. This meticulous examination aims to determine the cause of death, identify potential underlying health issues, and gather invaluable biological information.
From Loss to Learning: The Research Value of Deceased Animals
The necropsy is just the beginning. Samples collected – tissues, fluids, genetic material – are carefully preserved, often frozen, creating a bio-bank for future research that can significantly benefit conservation efforts. According to Neiffer, the National Zoo holds tissue samples from nearly every animal that has lived there since the 1970s, including specimens from species that are now extinct in the wild.
This data isn’t kept in isolation. Findings are shared across the zoological and scientific communities, providing crucial insights for researchers studying specific health issues or species biology, often using samples they couldn’t otherwise access. “In death, we utilize these animals to help improve the lives for the others they left behind,” Neiffer emphasizes.
A Case Study: The Elephant Herpesvirus Discovery
A powerful example of this occurred in 1995 when the first Asian elephant calf born at the National Zoo died unexpectedly. The subsequent necropsy led to the groundbreaking discovery of a previously unknown, deadly elephant herpesvirus (EEHV). “Basically, it was the wellspring for elephant herpes virus research, diagnostics, treatment, and hopefully an eventual cure,” says Neiffer. This finding spurred global research efforts that continue today.
Veterinary technician analyzes elephant blood samples for herpesvirus research at the National Zoo pathology lab.
This commitment to understanding extends even to local wildlife found deceased on zoo grounds. Necropsies on animals like squirrels help monitor potential threats like rabies or Avian influenza that could impact the zoo’s collection or local animal populations, with data shared with relevant wildlife departments.
Preserving Specimens: Museums and Education
After the necropsy and sample collection, some parts of the animal may find a new purpose in education or scientific display. Skeletons, shells, or pelts might be carefully prepared and sent to museums. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, for instance, houses several skeletons originating from National Zoo animals, contributing to scientific collections and public understanding of the natural world.
Final Disposition: Why Cremation is Standard Practice
What remains after all samples and usable specimens have been collected is typically cremated. This applies to creatures great and small. “Everything from guppies to elephants is incinerated,” Neiffer states.
While animal burials were once more common at zoos, cremation is now the preferred method for several reasons. A key factor, as Neiffer points out, is preventing “illicit wildlife parts ending up in anybody’s hands,” safeguarding against illegal trade and ensuring respectful disposal.
The Human Element: Grief and Ethical Considerations
Beyond the scientific protocols lies the undeniable emotional impact of animal death on the dedicated staff. “Anyone who has a good understanding of how much we love these animals and care for them can understand how difficult end of life care is,” says Brandie Smith, the National Zoo’s director. The zoo even works with an animal grief counselor to support its teams.
Zookeepers and veterinarians often face the difficult decision of euthanasia, especially when an animal is suffering from a terminal illness. They meticulously track an animal’s quality of life – monitoring appetite, activity levels, and social interaction. When suffering becomes unreasonable, euthanasia is considered a final act of kindness. “It’s hard on us, but we take on that burden as zookeepers,” says Neiffer. “It’s our onus and our responsibility to provide the animals with that peaceful passage… When we can remove [their suffering], we’ve given them that last gift.” Keepers are given private moments to say goodbye, and in the case of highly social animals like elephants or apes, troop mates may be allowed to acknowledge the passing of a companion (if the cause of death was non-infectious).
Public Response and Moving Forward
The public often forms strong connections with zoo animals, and their deaths can elicit significant reactions. Smith notes that the zoo frequently receives sympathy cards, children’s drawings, and messages of support for the staff. The death of a giant panda cub that lived only a few days prompted “an outpouring of sympathy and grief from the public [that] was really powerful.”
Despite the sadness, the work continues. “Animal keepers as a whole are an incredibly stoic group of people and they’re good at grieving with one another—but they also have a job to do,” Smith reflects. “There are other animals to take care of. It’s part of the cycle they have been trained for.”
Conclusion
The question of What Do Zoos Do With Animals That Die reveals a complex process rooted in science, conservation, and compassion. Far from being simply disposed of, deceased zoo animals contribute significantly to our understanding of biology, disease, and genetics through meticulous necropsies and tissue banking. While cremation ensures safe and respectful final handling, the emotional toll on staff is acknowledged and managed. Ultimately, even in death, these animals continue to serve a vital purpose, aiding research and conservation efforts aimed at protecting their species for the future, demonstrating a profound aspect of the cycle of life within modern zoos.
