Visitors walking into Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City on Wednesday found the wolf habitat unusually quiet after officials reported two animal deaths and a separate scare involving the wolf pack and animal-care staff. Zoo officials say one wolf died of natural causes, a lemur later died from lung failure, and staff members involved in an incident with other wolves were reported to be stable.
Officials’ Account And Immediate Response
Overnight into Wednesday, Michigan City Parks and Recreation reported that a wolf at the zoo died of natural causes and that a lemur died from lung failure, according to ABC7 Chicago. After the wolf’s death, the department said an “incident” occurred between other wolves and animal-care staff, adding that “all involved are stable.”
The zoo still opened to the public on Wednesday, but the main wolf exhibit remained closed while staff “assess the situation,” ABC7 Chicago reported.
Where It Happened And How The Zoo Operates
Washington Park Zoo sits on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is owned by the City of Michigan City. The parks department lists the zoo’s address as 115 Lakeshore Drive on the Michigan City Parks and Recreation website. The zoo notes there that “buildings or exhibits may temporarily close at any time due to animal care needs, weather, staffing, or maintenance,” a policy that lines up with the decision to keep the main wolf habitat closed while staff investigate what happened.
Recent Losses At The Zoo
This is not the first time Washington Park Zoo has faced a high-profile animal loss this year. In April, staff euthanized a 16-year-old cougar after a brief illness, according to WNDU. Zoo officials and local partners have said they prioritize animal welfare and sometimes adjust exhibits or daily operations while veterinarians review cases.
What Officials Are Saying So Far
City officials have kept details tight. At the time of its report, ABC7 Chicago noted that no additional information was available on the circumstances of the wolf’s death, the lemur’s lung failure, or the exact nature of the incident involving staff and the remaining wolves.
The main wolf exhibit will stay closed while staff monitor the animals and review care procedures. The parks department has not provided a timeline for when the habitat might reopen.
