Zebra Dies During Surgery At Living Desert

One of the Living Desert's five zebras has died.

Fenton -- a 22-year-old endangered Grevy's Zebra -- had been diagnosed with cancer of the lower jaw two weeks ago and died Wednesday morning due to heart failure during surgery, according to a statement from the Living Desert. 

He was born in 1989 at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, TX and has been on loan to The Living Desert since February 1992.

He leaves a legacy of 9 foals, including the most recent filly born at The Living Desert in 2011.

Dr. Kevin Fenton, of All Creatures Animal Hospital said he was saddened by the death.

"Fenton was a noble and proud animal and was here to cut us humans some slack. He allowed us into his space. He gave us that passage, which is an unusual gift for zebras to give. Personally, my heart is heavy and I will miss my striped friend," Dr. Fenton said. 

Dr. Kevin Leiske, The Living Desert Staff Veterinarian said the team worked passionately on Fenton.

"Sadly, having reached an age where mortality rates in zebras spike and given his deteriorating health, there wasn't anything more that could have been done," she said.

Fenton's body will be transported to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in San Bernardino for a complete necropsy.