Living Desert Loses Popular ‘Fenton The Zebra’

Fenton, a zebra who was visiting the Living Desert zoo on-loan since 1992, died on Wednesday of heart failure while she was operated on for cancer of the jaw.

Living Desert spokeswoman Nyla Patzner said Fenton had a large fan base of visitors because of his vibrant personality.

“He thrived on attention, and was a very charismatic zebra,” she said. “Known as a big ham, Fenton was noisy – and perhaps noisiest – animal in the park. He loved to smell the animal keepers’ shoes and took great pleasure in having air blown up his nose.His regular and loud braying was a signature feature of a visit to The Living Desert.”

Fenton’s cancer diagnosis came just two weeks ago. and his surgery was made a priority by the veterinarian team.

Twenty medical professionals, including veterinarians, equine specialists, dentists, veterinarian technicians and support staff worked tirelessly together to remove the cancer from his lower jaw. But an hour into the surgery, Fenton died due to heart failure.

One of the veterinarians taking part in the surgery was Fenton’s namesake. Dr. Kevin Fenton, who forged a special history with the young zebra in the early 1990s.

“Fenton was a noble and proud animal and was here to cut us humans some slack,” Fenton said.. “He allowed us into his space. He gave us that passage, which is an unusual gift for zebras to give. Personally, my heart is heavy and I will miss my striped friend.”

The zebra’s genetic imprint leaves legacy of 9 foals, including the most recent filly born at The Living Desert in 2011, Patzner said.