Detroit Zoo Mours Death Of Beloved Camel, Rusty

ROYAL OAK, MI — A beloved camel who was a visitor favorite at the Detroit Zoo has died, zoo officials said.

Rusty, a male Bactrian camel, was euthanized last week, zoo officials said.

Rusty joined the Detroit Zoo in 2009 when he was moved from the Brookfield Zoo. He went on to form a deep bond with his mate Suren. The pair raised four offspring together, zoo officials said.

"Though he was a bit shorter in stature than most camels, his thick, dark coat and strong, stocky build made him an unforgettable presence," zoo officials said. "His full winter coat was truly a sight to behold!"

Officials did not say what prompted Rusty’s euthanasia, but they did thank the veterinary and animal care teams who supported him through his later years.

"Rusty will be missed by all of us at the Detroit Zoo," zoo officials said in a social media post.

Bactrain camels are known for having two distinctive humps. The live in rocky deserts in central and east Asia.