Phoenix Zoo’s Percheron Draft Horse Suffers, Is Euthanized

PHOENIX, AZ — Jack, the Phoenix Zoo’s Percheron draft horse, was euthanized to prevent further suffering in his old age. According to information provided by the zoo, 29-year-old Jack’s hoof circulation had decreased because of his size and age. The lack of proper circulation resulted in one foot’s internal structures becoming irreversibly damaged, until Jack couldn’t stand.

Zoo staffers tried to make Jack comfortable, but because his quality of life was declining, the organization decided to “humanely” euthanize him.

Jack was acquired by the zoo in 2004 to provide carriage rides for zoo-located weddings. He was also featured at the zoo’s Horse Born at Harmony Farm. As is common with Percheron horses, Jack was described as a gentle workhorse, focused on the job at hand once harnessed.

Zoo staff decided to retire Jack from his carriage-pulling and Farm duties in 2016. Thereafter, Jack was featured in the zoo’s Horse Hands classes, where 3- to 6-year-old children groomed him. Jack “loved” that job, zoo staff reported.