Milwaukee County Zoo uses front-end loader to upright fallen geriatric elephant
Ruth, a 43-year-old African savanna elephant, recovered after slipping during a tussle and is being closely monitored by veterinary staff
Milwaukee County Zoo staff used a front-end loader to help a 43-year-old African savanna elephant back onto her feet after she fell inside her enclosure on Sept. 2.
Zoo officials said the elephant, named Ruth, lost her footing after an aggressive interaction with a herd mate, identified as Belle. Because of Ruth’s age and the terrain in the outdoor habitat, she was unable to right herself, prompting animal care teams to devise a plan to upright the multi-ton mammal.
The zoo said its staff regularly train with the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team for scenarios involving large animals, but in this incident the front-end loader was sufficient. After the machine aided Ruth to her feet, she walked into the indoor habitat without additional assistance, the zoo said.
Veterinary personnel reported Ruth is recovering and is being monitored daily and overnight, including behavioral checks and bloodwork. The zoo said she has resumed normal training sessions with the animal care team and has been seen in the outdoor habitat since the incident.
Zoo staff described the scuffle between Ruth and Belle as normal social behavior likely related to competing for food. Logs and varied terrain are placed in the enclosure to mimic the elephants’ natural environment and to support physical and behavioral health, the zoo said.
All three elephants at the Milwaukee County Zoo — Ruth, Brittany and Nosey — are considered geriatric. The zoo noted that the animals’ advanced ages require additional planning because older elephants often face increased health risks and reduced mobility. Ruth’s age was noted as exceeding the average lifespan for a female African savanna elephant by four years.
The incident and the zoo’s response underscore both the challenges of managing large, aging animals in human care and the importance of regular emergency preparedness. The Milwaukee County Zoo said its teams coordinate with local rescue partners for training on handling heavy animals but will use the tools and techniques that best fit each situation.
Conservation organizations note that African elephants face ongoing threats in the wild. According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are about 415,000 African elephants remaining, and the species is classified as endangered. Ruth, Brittany and Nosey remain on display and can be seen daily at the Milwaukee County Zoo, where staff continue to monitor their health and welfare.