By WJBC Staff
BLOOMINGTON – Some sad news from Monday night’s fire at Miller Park Zoo as city officials said they had to euthanize a python.
Bloomington fire investigators said the small blaze started in the python’s enclosure after a heating device malfunctioned in the Katthoefer Animal Building.
Fire crews responded to the zoo around 9:30 p.m. Monday and were able to help zoo staff move animals out of the building, including the python named “Nani.”
In a news release, city officials said Nani was under veterinary observation for recent changes in health and behavior over the past week, prior to Monday’s fire.
The smoke exposure and inhalation affected her health so significantly that her prognosis for recovery was poor. Animal care and veterinary staff agreed that euthanasia was the correct decision for Nani’s wellbeing.
“This is never an easy decision for people who have dedicated their lives to providing daily care for these animals. It was made even more difficult due the heroic efforts of all involved in assisting the animals during the crisis,” the news release stated.
Nani was an 11-year-old reticulated python who came to the Miller Park Zoo in January of 2017. During her last physical exam, she measured 20 feet in length and 254 pounds in weight. Zookeepers affectionately described Nani as “sweet but feisty”; she was most active when “smelling” and investigating items or enrichment that had previously been in with the tiger.
Miller Park Zoo director Jay Pratte said Tuesday that animal care staff and vets will continue to monitor animals that were exposed to the heavy smoke Monday night.
Pratte said damage to the Katthoefer Animal Building was minimal. The zoo will remain open this week.
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