BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Officials at the Binder Park Zoo near Battle Creek are mourning the loss of one of their African painted dogs.
12-year-old Verizon died on October 30th from gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), also known as gastric torsion or twisted stomach.
GDV is a life-threatening medical condition most common in large breed domestic dogs and rare reported cases in wild canid species.
In a statement, staff veterinarian at the zoo Dr. Kim Thompson said, “At 12 years old, Verizon was considered a senior, out-living both his brothers which the zoo lost from cancer over a year ago. Verizon had been in relatively good health but was on several treatments for advanced arthritis, not unexpected at his age. His recent litter of 11 pups seemed to help keep him active and always on his toes. The loss of Verizon due to a GDV was sudden and unexpected, as he showed no abnormal signs or symptoms of GDV the previous day.”
Verizon sired his first and only litter of eleven pups in 2018 with his mate Ghost through the zoo’s Species Survival Plan through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
A little over 6,000 African painted dogs are left in the wild making them the most endangered carnivore in Africa.
Zoo officials say on average, the life expectancy of an African painted dog is about 7-9 years in the wild and 10-12 years in captivity.
