MELBOURNE, Fla. – A 13-year-old camel died Thursday at Brevard Zoo, officials said.
“We’re saddened to share that Dromedary camel Sammy unexpectedly passed away,” Brevard Zoo said in a Facebook post.
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According to the zoo, Sammy suddenly became unresponsive after appearing normal Thursday morning.
“There were no signs of any issues with Sammy beforehand or any physical abnormalities to suggest what happened,” the zoo said.
Sammy’s body will be taken to the UF Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy and histopathology analyses.
“He is just an amazing animal and I feel lucky that I have gotten to work him all these years,” a zookeeper said in a blog post. “I will always remember him.”
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The zoo said its veterinary staff is running tests on Sammy’s brother, Frankie.
Sammy and Frankie came to the zoo together in 2009 to be residents of the habitat that the Cape to Cairo Express train travels through.
“Losing an animal resident is always hard, especially so unexpectedly. We ask that you keep our Expedition Africa animal care team and volunteers in your thoughts,” the zoo said.
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