Beloved moose Willow humanely euthanized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 3, 2021

EATONVILLE, Wash. – Willow, a beloved moose at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, was humanely euthanized Monday after a sudden decline in her health.

The wildlife park’s veterinarian, Dr. Allison Case, said Willow had been showing signs of lethargy, a loss of appetite, and a decline in her overall body condition. The veterinary and animal care teams intervened to do diagnostic tests and provide her with treatments. But Willow struggled significantly during the medical exam and had to be humanely euthanized, said Case.
“The necropsy, or animal autopsy, of Willow showed a dilated esophagus, pancreatitis, and inflammatory lesions in her gastro-intestinal tract,” said Dr. Case. Results from pathology are pending.

Willow arrived in July 2015, the first moose calf born at the wildlife park in 15 years.
“We have lost a treasured member of our Northwest Trek family,” said deputy director Rick Dietz. “Our hearts are heavy. We have cared for Willow since she was a tiny calf and we will miss her deeply.”

Northwest Trek is home to Aspen, a four-year-old female moose who was orphaned in Idaho and arrived at the wildlife park when she was about four months old.

“We have cared for many orphaned moose over the years and would love to provide a home for more moose calves who need our help,” said Dietz. “It’s very rewarding to rescue fragile, young animals and give them a second chance and a wonderful life in our 435-acre Free-Roaming Area.”

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Northwest Trek, accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a 725-acre zoological park dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting and researching native Northwest wildlife and their natural habitats.

Media Contacts

Whitney DalBalcon, 253-278-6343 or whitney.dalbalcon@pdza.org
Tessa LaVergne, 253-686-6927 or tessa.lavergne@pdza.org