MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Zoo Miami officials announced the death of a female koala Monday.
Nine-year-old Rinny was found dead at 6 a.m. during a special check amid a period of concerning symptoms, a Zoo Miami news release states.
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“Rinny had recently been exhibiting a diminished appetite and was being closely monitored as she was appearing unusually lethargic,” zoo spokesperson Ron Magill said. “On Thursday, after not showing any improvement in appetite, she was immobilized and brought to the Animal Hospital so that the Animal Health team could closely examine her.”
However, veterinarians couldn’t pinpoint the issues, he said.
“Following her death, a necropsy was performed in hopes of finding a conclusive answer as to what the cause may have been,” Magill said. “Though there were some small abnormalities such as an enlarged heart, gall bladder, and dry stomach contents, there were no immediate results that clearly explained the cause of death. The Animal Health team has submitted a variety of samples for histopaths and will be awaiting those results to see if they provide any more conclusive answers.”
Rinny was born at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 20, 2015 and came to Zoo Miami in September 2018.
“Over the years, Zoo Miami has contributed tens of thousands of dollars towards koala conservation through its Conservation Fund and the Gail S. Posner Trust,” Magill said. “It is hoped that Rinny’s legacy will be the inspiration that she gave to countless visitors to care for and protect these endearing marsupials.”