The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo has lost another long-time resident. A grey wolf named Zeppelin was euthanized on Thursday. Zeppelin was under veterinarian care for arthritis and with his condition deteriorating in recent months, being unable to keep him pain-free, a collaborative decision was made between the veterinarian and animal care team to euthanize.

Zoo Manager Jeff Mitchell says it will be an especially difficult time for the other grey wolf Buddy. Zeppelin and Buddy first met after joining the Zoo family in 2007 and the pair quickly bonded to become life-long companions.

“Our animal care team has developed a plan to give Buddy as much attention and enrichment as he needs”.

The average life expectancy of a wolf is six to eight years in the wild and up to 15 years in zoological facilities. The zoo says Buddy is also displaying the same arthritic issues as his lifetime friend.