- In an official statement on the Utica Zoo’s Facebook, the zoo said the staff is devastated but thankful for the community’s support.
- Cauliflower’s behavior was consistent with that of a beaver his age, as they disperse around age two to find a mate and establish their territory.
The Utica Zoo is reporting that Cauliflower, the male American Beaver who escaped in April, was found dead.
“It was a car accident on Route 12, near French Road,” Director of Communications Alley Snyder said. “It was a good Samaritan who brought him in.”
The beaver’s identity was confirmed with a microchip scan.
When asked if the zoo had figured out how Cauliflower escaped, Snyder said no and that they’re still investigating. She added that an escape like this has never happened before.
“We’ve had beavers for years,” she said. “This has never happened.”
Since the escape, the zoo’s other two beavers who were part of the exhibit were moved off exhibit while the habitat underwent additional modification to prevent future incidents.
In an official statement on the zoo’s Facebook, the zoo said the staff is devastated but thankful for the community’s support.
“With so many waterways and wooded areas surrounding the zoo, we held onto hope for a better outcome,” the statement read. “We are immensely grateful to everyone who helped in the search — those who sent in tips and the volunteers who gave their time and care to search for any signs of him. Thank you again to our community for your compassion and support.”
Zoo officials said Cauliflower’s behavior was consistent with that of a beaver his age, as they disperse around age two to find a mate and establish their territory.
