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Zoo Miami Mourns Loss Of "Cobber" The Koala

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Zoo Miami is mourning the loss of it's Queensland koala, a long-time resident of the zoo.

"Cobber", a male Queensland koala passed away on Thursday.

At over 19 years of age, this popular marsupial lived way beyond the normal lifespan experienced by koalas in the wild.  Though females can live between 13 and 17 years, males rarely live past 10 due to fights, being attacked by dogs, and being hit by cars as they travel looking for females.

Cobber, whose name is Australian slang for "friend," arrived at Zoo Miami (then Metrozoo) back in April of 1999.  For the last several months, he has shown a slow but steady decline in his health as a result of geriatric problems ranging from limb stiffness to labored breathing.  He had been receiving laser therapy on his joints which had been successful in providing some comfort and a better quality of life until just recently when it was no longer effective.

Thursday, Cobber was immobilized for a closer examination and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him due to advanced heart disease and crippling arthritis.  A variety of other abnormalities were detected during a thorough necropsy and a variety of tissue samples were sent out to laboratories for more extensive testing.  The results of those tests could take several weeks.

A news release read, "Though this beautiful animal will be profoundly missed, the entire Zoo Miami family feels fortunate and proud to have provided him with a long and comfortable life that ended with dignity."

 

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