FRANKFORT, Ind. (WISH) -- An alpaca was the 83rd animal to die at a city-operated zoo since last summer, Frankfort officials announced Wednesday.
A Purdue veterinary team had visited the zoo after the recent deaths, and found the alpaca named Houston was "experiencing nutrition-related issues, likely stemming from dental health concerns," said a news release issued Thursday from the city government.
"The alpaca was transported to Purdue for further dental care, where additional health complications were discovered. Unfortunately, the alpaca developed an unknown infection, which led to a rapid decline in health. Despite efforts to stabilize the animal, after consultation with the veterinary team, the decision was made to euthanize Houston to prevent further suffering."
Earlier in January, a deer and two chickens died during below-freezing weather at Frankfort Parks Department's TPA Park Aviary & Petting Zoo, and another "distressed deer" died days later at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.
Those four deaths came the same week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited the zoo with multiple violations after over half of their birds died of unknown causes since July. The birds included zebra finches, lovebirds, and parakeets.
The USDA citation also noted an enclosure for three red foxes was not properly maintained, and a cooler used was not properly protecting fruits and vegetables used as animal food.
The USDA said problems found during its inspection needed to be corrected by Feb. 14.
Necropsies were being done on the animal deaths that happened in January, and a Purdue veterinary team was continuing to monitor the remaining animals at the zoo. Also, Frankfort Police Department was reviewing surveillance footage of the animals for clues to their deaths.
Frankfort Parks Director Joel Tatum resigned Jan. 21.
The Frankfort zoo is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.