‘There is always an inherent risk;’ 12-year-old bison dies while anesthetized in Columbus Zoo care

COLUMBUS — Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced that Hermie, a 12-year-old American bison, died from euthanasia Monday morning.

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“He was humanely euthanized... after he did not successfully recover after anesthesia, despite multiple attempts to revive him,” a spokesperson for the zoo wrote on their Facebook post.

Hermie was scheduled to leave Columbus Zoo for Midwest Zoo, making an overnight stop at The Wilds, the spokesperson informed. The move was so that he could have opportunities to socialize within a heard for his “overall wellbeing.”

To move the bison, he had to be anesthetized.

“Animal transports are always carefully planned by the Animal Care, Animal Health, and Facilities teams well in advance of the actual move, especially with a 2,000-pound bison,” the spokesperson said. “Hermie was anesthetized so the team could safely move him into the trailer.”

However, “even during the most well planned anesthesia, there is always an inherent risk,” the spokesperson said. “Sadly, despite the team’s best efforts, Hermie did not recover from anesthesia.”

Before the anesthesia was administered, Hermie was given a “physical, bloodwork, and other tests” to make sure that the aesthesia would not cause any complications, the spokesperson stated. He received a clean bill of health, which prompted professionals to continue with the transfer.

“Hermie will be dearly missed by our Zoo family, particularly his care team,” the spokesperson said. “They fondly remember how he loved his favorite treats (apples and carrots), spending time rubbing against his street sweeper brush, resting in his sandy area or near a sprinkler on a warm day, coming close to the fence while he enjoyed eating browse, and how he helped guests learn more about the incredible story of bison in North America.”

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