Topeka Zoo staff mourn loss of resident animal after health complications

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Staff at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center are mourning the loss of one of their resident animals this week after it died from health complications.

The zoo posted to social media on Thursday, Oct. 3 sharing that one of its African painted dogs passed away recently. The painted dog, Ryker, was examined on Friday, Sept. 27 after appearing lethargic in his habitat.

"X-ray images of the abdomen were abnormal, and a CT scan was performed off Zoo grounds which revealed he had air pockets and fluid in the abdomen,” said Dr. Shirley Llizo, Director of Animal Health at the zoo. “This indicated that there was a leak somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract. An emergency abdominal surgery was performed where a 1.5-cm gastric (stomach) ulcer perforation was located.”

Staff found that contents from Ryker's stomach and intestinal tract had already reached other parts of his body. Veterinarians and members of the zoo's animal care team continued to monitor Ryker until he was found unresponsive inside his enclosure on Monday, Sept. 30.

"Throughout the situation, our team’s focus remained on the entire pack. The social structure of painted dogs is very dynamic. The loss of a member of the pack can cause hierarchy changes and our care team has worked diligently to ensure that brothers Takoda and Kellan are comfortable. Until we are confident that they are settled as a twosome, they will continue to be closely monitored."

Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center social media statement excerpt

"Ryker was so much fun to work with," said Topeka Zoo Animal Curator Shanna Simpson. "He especially loved citrus fruits and would roll all over them. Ryker's Keeper staff are devastated, and we will miss him very much."

African painted dogs each come with a unique color pattern which helps them distinguish who is who in the wild, according to the Topeka Zoo's website. They are known for having one of the largest litters of any canine species at 10 puppies per litter. These painted dogs are considered endangered in Africa due to deforestation and poaching.

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