Fiona the alligator dies of pneumonia
A 9-year-old alligator called Fiona has died of pneumonia at Napier’s National Aquarium of New Zealand.
The alligator, which shared an enclosure with another alligator, Sheryll, died last Friday.
Aquarium manager Rob Yarrall said staff had found Fiona lying at the bottom of her pool. ‘‘She was removed from the pool and a vet was brought in to examine her. We X-rayed her to determine the extent of her illness, but by the time the results were in, she had passed away.’’
Fiona had been receiving antibiotic treatment for a cut on her foot, but was otherwise ‘‘in perfect condition’’.
Autopsy results revealed yesterday showed pneumonia was the cause of the death.
‘‘The post-mortem showed there was a bacterial infection, along with fluid on the lungs and around the heart,’’ Yarrall said.
‘‘Unfortunately, reptiles are experts at masking any illness, which is great self-protection when they live in the wild, but when you’re an alligator living in an aquarium, it’s very difficult for keepers to tell if there are any health issues.’’
As alligators were solitary by nature, and the death had not had a noticeable impact on companion Sheryll, he said.
Staff were coping with the news, but were saddened. ‘‘We have an excellent record in animal health, and were the first aquarium in New Zealand to receive a ZAA accreditation for the health and wellbeing of the animals.But we do need to remember that, with over 2500 live animals on site, there are naturally going to be deaths from time to time.’’
Fiona’s body will stay at the aquarium for now, although the Ministry for Primary Industries may give further guidance on the matter, as alligators are considered a restricted organism.