Front-end loader helps zoo elephant get off ground

MILWAUKEE Wisconsin WISN An elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo needed particular assistance Tuesday to get off the ground Ruth the zoo s largest elephant was unable to get up on her own The zoo noted Ruth tripped on a log in the outdoor habitat after a push from another elephant The zoo called the Milwaukee Fire Department Heavy Urban Rescue Crew and Dawes Rigging and Crane who remained on standby A front-end loader with hay provided a little push to help the animal out She had been on the ground for more than an hour A down elephant is a pretty serious situation and she did need a little assistance getting her up Once we got everyone in place and mobilized to do that it worked out very well She got up and walked right into the building Our vet crew took blood gave her fluids and made sure she was well Amos Morris the executive director of the Milwaukee County Zoo commented News Chopper was there when Ruth got up and walked Ruth was born in and arrived at the Milwaukee County Zoo in from Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas She s arthritic But besides the arthritis and joint pain she s just an old girl Morris reported At Ruth is considered geriatric so her age and size along with arthritis made it intricate for her to get back up after a fall The inhabitants was not allowed near the elephant habitat for a while but by about p m people could return to the area Vets took a closer look at Ruth and the zoo disclosed she was doing well Tuesday afternoon So far she looks great Veterinarians gave her a good bill of physical condition right now Morris reported