For over 25 years Adelaide Zoo has been home to American Beavers (Castor canadensis).  Originally received from Zurich Zoo in 1984, they were one of many species donated from various Zoos around the world for Adelaide Zoos' centenary that year.

Sadly, this era came to an end on July 2 this year when our last female was euthanased.

Born on 19 November 1991, she was 1 of 3 kittens.  Generally living for 10-15 years in the wild, she had very few and minor health issues throughout her life.  However, with old age came health problems, and sadly in the last few weeks of her life she had acquired a severe infection.  It was with this in mind that her keepers and vet staff made the difficult decision to euthanase.

Those visitors to Adelaide Zoo who saw her gliding around in her pond or ambling about up on land (usually early in the morning or on cool and cloudy afternoons) were probably unaware that they were amongst a few and unique group of privileged people, lucky enough to see such a wonderful and graceful creature.

Not only was she the last of the Beavers at Adelaide Zoo, but also the only one in the Australasian region.

RIP Beaver Girl.

John
Mammal Keeper, Adelaide Zoo