Bloomington city officials say they had to euthanize Miller Park Zoo's 20-foot python after she inhaled smoke during a fire Monday night.
Fire crews were called out to the zoo at 1020 S. Morris Ave. around 9:28 p.m. Monday after a park security officer on patrol saw smoke rising from the Katthoefer Animal Building, said Fire Chief Eric West. The 108-year-old building houses tigers, primates and the 254-pound, 20-foot python, called Nani. West said the fire started in the python's enclosure.
Initially, fire officials said all animals were alive and appeared well, pending a veterinary checkup.
But after that checkup Tuesday, zoo officials determined they had to euthanize Nani, which before the fire had already been under veterinary observation "for recent changes in health and behavior," city officials said.
"As the smoke (Monday) night originated from Nani’s enclosure, she was exposed for longer than the other animals until our team, with assistance from members of the Bloomington Fire Department, were able to safely remove and relocate her. The smoke exposure and inhalation affected her health so significantly that her prognosis for recovery was poor," he city said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
"Animal care and veterinary staff agreed that euthanasia was the correct decision for Nani’s well-being. 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."
Nani the python had been at Miller Park Zoo since 2017.
Some precautionary measures or treatments were implemented for other animals, the city said.
"As our zoo team works through (Monday) night’s challenging events, now including the loss of one of their favorite animals, please know that everyone remains dedicated to the animals at the Miller Park Zoo," the city said.
The fire was accidental in nature, according to West, who described the fire as being in a "smoldering state" that filled the building with smoke. An investigation determined that it started with a "faulty" heating element.
“We worked very well with zookeepers to ensure the safety of the animals. The situation was unique, but our people were up for the challenge," West said in a statement.
