The Detroit Zoo has announced the death of one of its 6-year-old Bactrian camels, Tula. According to a social media post, Tula, born at the zoo and a resident since 2019, was humanely euthanized on Monday due to a degenerative ligament condition that had increasingly affected her mobility and overall comfort, the zoo stated.
According to the zoo’s tribute, Tula was known for her engaging personality and responsiveness during care-based training sessions, building a strong rapport with her animal care team. Staff noted that she had undergone an extensive treatment plan—including pain management, protective wraps, and laser therapy—which initially showed signs of progress. However, her condition recently declined, leading to the decision to euthanize her to prevent further suffering.
In a statement obtained by The Detroit News, the Detroit Zoo said Tula’s death has been difficult for both the animal care staff and the many visitors who grew attached to her over the years. The zoo asked the public to keep its staff in mind as they continue caring for the remaining camels, including Tula’s sister Rusi and her mother, Suren.
Bactrian camels like Tula are known for their two humps used for fat storage and are native to the rocky deserts and cold steppe regions of Central Asia. They are adapted to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, can grow to about 7 feet tall, and may weigh more than 2,000 pounds, with a typical life expectancy of up to 17 years. The Detroit Zoo notes on its website that Tula’s brother, Humphrey, died in 2023, and her father, Rusty, passed away earlier that same year. The zoo’s remaining camels now carry on the legacy of the family members they have lost.
