Elderly Elephant Rescued After Fall at Milwaukee Zoo

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Milwaukee, WI — A dramatic scene unfolded at the Milwaukee County Zoo on the morning of September 2 when Ruth, a 43-year-old African savanna elephant, slipped and fell in her outdoor habitat.

According to Zoo officials, the accident occurred around 11 a.m. after Ruth lost her footing on a log, reportedly due to aggressive behavior from another member of the herd. She landed on her side and struggled to rise.

Although she made repeated attempts to stand on her own, her advanced age made recovery difficult. In managed care, elephants in their forties are considered geriatric. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums reports that the median life expectancy for a female African savanna elephant is 39.4 years.

As soon as Ruth was unable to get up, the Zoo activated its emergency response plan. Staff alerted the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team (HURT) and Dawes Rigging and Crane, longtime partners in rescue operations. Teams from animal care, forestry, grounds, and maintenance rushed to the scene.

The Zoo emphasized that its staff regularly train for such incidents, conducting drills with HURT and Dawes to prepare for emergencies.

A front-load vehicle operated by a Zoo employee and directed by the elephant care coordinator was ultimately used to provide leverage. With this assistance, Ruth was able to stand again and walk into the indoor habitat on her own.

Veterinarians conducted a full examination once she was inside. Ruth is now stable, being monitored closely, and appears to be recovering well.

“This was a challenging situation, but our team responded with professionalism and speed,” Zoo officials stated. “Their preparation made all the difference for Ruth.”

The event highlights the unique challenges of caring for an aging herd. All three elephants at the Zoo are in their forties, and the Elephant Care Center was specifically built with cranes and lifting systems to meet their needs.

While the outside rescue teams were not required to intervene, Zoo leaders expressed gratitude for their ongoing partnership. Officials cautioned that similar incidents may occur in the future, given the age of the herd.

For now, Ruth is safe, back on her feet, and receiving the attention she requires.

The Zoo also reminded the community of the ongoing costs of elephant care. Every $5 helps provide a rescued elephant with a full day of safety and care. Supporters are encouraged to contribute to ensure the wellbeing of these extraordinary animals.