A 15-year-old bull elk at Zollman Zoo was euthanized due to declining health, outliving wild elk by years.

A beloved bull elk at Zollman Zoo in Byron, Minnesota, has died at age 15 after being humanely euthanized due to a sudden decline in quality of life despite close monitoring. The zoo said the elk lived longer than the typical 10 to 13-year lifespan of wild bull elk, highlighting the extended longevity possible in captivity. A younger male will stay with the herd. The loss has stirred sadness among visitors and staff. The zoo, located in Oxbow Park, remains open and recently welcomed a new black bear resident.