GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Wednesday, the John Ball Zoo announced the passing of one of their beloved striped skunks.
One of the zoo's veterinarians, Dr. Ryan, says their striped skunk 'Turnip' was suddenly unable to use her hind limbs or tail properly. After calling on their partners at Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialists, they discovered Turnip had a spinal disease.
Within a few days, the zoo says she began showing improvements, until almost regaining her full movement. Unfortunately, Turnip developed an unexpected complication in her heart and passed.
"We are thankful for the close monitoring and persistent dedication of Turnip's team throughout her illness. It was not the outcome we wished for, but we are comforted by the fact that in her final days she did not appear to be in any pain or distress," said Dr. Ryan.
Turnip came to JBZ in 2016, and had been an ambassador for her breed ever since. Turnip got to meet thousands of guests and share her and her breed's story at the zoo, as well as across classrooms and libraries around the state.
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