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Earlier this week, our Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine teams noticed that Hagrid, our six-year-old Bactrian camel, was showing signs of gastrointestinal discomfort and immediately began monitoring him. He received a physical examination, and teams provided supportive care and pain medications while working to determine the cause of his discomfort. Despite their best efforts, Hagrid passed away in his habitat on Tuesday evening.
Initial necropsy results revealed that Hagrid had a stomach ulcer that had gone through the stomach wall near the exit of his stomach. The examination also indicated a possible displacement of his third stomach chamber, which may have impacted the normal movement of food through his digestive system. These findings indicate why there was such an acute onset of clinical signs and death.
Born on April 17, 2020, at Hemker Park Zoo, Hagrid arrived at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in July 2020 alongside his habitat mate, Sprout, when he was just three months old. From the moment he arrived, he quickly became a favorite among staff, volunteers, and guests. During the uncertainty and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, his playful personality and goofy spirit brought comfort, connection and joy to so many people across our Zoo community. As a Critically Endangered Bactrian camel, he also served as an ambassador for his species and helped inspire our community to learn more about the importance of protecting wildlife.
Heartfelt reflections from the Animal Care Specialists who knew and loved him best can be found below:
“Hagrid was such a magical camel, he was such a sweet soul and so gentile for such a big guy. The day he arrived with Sprout he showed that he had such a big personality. He was the first camel I bottle raised and wouldn’t have changed a thing. From his love bites to laying down and putting his head in my lap or even laying down to be groomed he was always so sweet and easy to fall in love with. I will miss his big ears and sweet head tilt and the barn will never be the same! I love you and already miss you so much, big guy.”“Kai arrived on my first day at DZCA. What a perfectly chaotic day and what an absolute joy he was. I loved making and receiving an all area morning call for buffalo shifting outside so we could all line up along the fence line and enjoy just watching his morning zoomies around the yard. He brought endless smiles and laughs and was the best way to start our day. He would often just end up staring at us probably wondering what on earth we were all looking at. He will leave a giant, oversized, toothy grin imprint on my heart.”
Amanda F., Animal Care Specialist – Hoofstock
“I’ll never forget the day they arrived. I had never worked with camels before and was amazed we could just walk them right off the trailer and into their barn. Hagrid then spent the next couple days announcing to the zoo that he was here by ‘screaming’ any time we were around. He also did it when we were on our way to bottle feed him. He was such a sweet boy and will be sorely missed.”
Jesse K., Animal Care Specialist – Hoofstock
“I will miss cleaning the neighboring yard, looking up, and seeing Hagrid patiently waiting, with his head slightly tilted and his ears slightly crooked. I could never deny that face all the treats.”
Megan G., Lead Animal Care Specialist – Hoofstock
“Hagrid was incredibly intelligent, mischievous, and, as his name implies, loyal to his favorite keepers and his companion, Sprout. There will never be a more dynamic duo than Hagrid and Sprout, and my heart aches for not only him but his absence in Sprout’s life. Whether it was him getting Sprout’s ball down for her, or her going and getting him when he wouldn’t leave his stall, experiencing their friendship will always be a fond memory. I will miss Hagrid’s animated reactions to tasting something he didn’t like, spitting when he did not approve of someone’s behavior, and his bouncy run when he heard I had biscuits. He was a special guy and will be deeply missed.”
Emmy W., Animal Care Specialist – Hoofstock
While Hagrid’s passing was heartbreaking, we are grateful for the dedicated care and compassion our Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine teams provided throughout his life and in his final days. They immediately jumped into action and did everything they could to understand what was happening and to support him. Sprout is being closely monitored and supported by her care team. While losing a companion can be a change for an animal, her care team is watching her closely and there are no concerns about her physical and mental health at this time.
This incredible camel will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and caring for him. We are grateful for the memories he gave us and for the joy he brought to DZCA.
