Brevard Zoo’s 11-Year-Old White-Tailed Deer ‘Oakley’ Euthanized Due to Cancer
By Space Coast Daily // April 12, 2019
'Oakley was a favorite of ours'
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Due to the deteriorating quality of life caused by cancer, Brevard Zoo made the compassionate decision to euthanize Oakley the white-tailed deer on Tuesday afternoon.
Oakley—who was 11 years old and arrived at the Zoo in 2008—was diagnosed with bladder cancer in June 2017, and the Brevard Zoo was able to maintain a high quality of life for her through medication.
Cancer recently developed near her pelvis, which led to lameness in her left hind leg. It became clear there was nothing more they could do to alleviate her pain.
“Oakley was a favorite of ours,” said Rachel, one of Oakley’s keepers.
“She always liked to get scratches and attention. When we were cleaning the yard, she’d come get in your way and step on your tools so that you had to pay attention to her. Oakley loved peanuts and Craisins, and she’d stick her nose in our pockets looking for treats. When we weren’t around, she’d spend a lot of time with the guests getting food from them.”
Oakley’s keepers ask everyone to keep Oakley’s keepers in your thoughts during this challenging time.
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