WATERTOWN, NY — Zoo New York is saddened to announce the passing of their eldest gray wolf, Keenai. Keenai has been closely observed this year, and
receiving pain management medication, as he had begun showing signs of old age at 14 years and 8 months old. The preliminary cause of death is age related kidney failure.
Keenai became a resident on December 8, 2008, along with her lifelong mate, Kaja. Over the 13 years together, they littered 30 pups – one, Luna, who still resides at the Zoo, with other pups housed at various zoos across the country.
In the wild, a gray wolf’s average lifespan is between 6-8 years. At nearly 15 years old, Keenai has lived a long life with Kaja, his mate, daughter Luna and all the staff that cared for him.
“Keenai will be greatly missed by all especially those guests that had the chance to hear the ‘howling ballads’ by him, Kaja and Luna while at the Zoo,” said Larry Sorel, Zoo CEO and Executive Director. “His life was symbolic of our great conservation efforts, as well as the amazing work of the zookeepers here. We are proud to have had her in our care.”
