Beloved Kinkajou ‘Jeeps’ Passes Away At Lake Superior Zoo

The team at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth recently shared heartbreaking news.

Jeeps, their beloved kinkajou, has passed away at the age of 25.

SOMETIMES THERE ARE THE EXTRA SPECIAL ONES

Some animals at a zoo quietly become part of the family. For staff, volunteers, and visitors alike, Jeeps the kinkajou was one of those special residents.

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LAKE SUPERIOR ZOO HAS BEEN JEEP'S HOME SINCE 2003

Jeeps had called the Duluth zoo home since 2003. Kinkajous in the wild typically live around 15 years, so living until the age of 25 was extraordinary.  Her caretakers say she enjoyed more than a decade beyond what many of her wild counterparts experience.

As Jeeps started approaching her senior years, the animal care staff carefully monitored her health and quality of life. After a period of age-related decline, they had to make the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her, ensuring she would not suffer.

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JEEPS WAS FULL OF PERSONALITY

For those who knew her best, Jeeps wasn’t just another zoo resident. The team says Jeeps was curious, playful, and full of personality.

Visitors loved watching her explore her habitat, as she went climbing through tubes and tunnels or sometimes, enjoying some of her favorite treats like bananas and grapes.

Through encounters like these, Jeeps helped thousands of people learn about kinkajous and the tropical forests they call home.

JEEPS THE AMBASSADOR

Animals like Jeeps serve as ambassadors for their species, helping people develop a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the importance of conservation. Jeeps presence sparked curiosity and wonder for countless zoo guests over the past two decades.

WHAT WILL GEORGE DO WITHOUT HER?

Jeep's leaves behind her longtime exhibit companion, Georgie the sloth, who shared a habitat with her for 17 years.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF HER KIND

Zoo officials say a necropsy will be conducted at the University of Minnesota. The findings will be shared with zoo experts to help improve care and longevity for kinkajous around the world.

REMEMBERING JEEPS

For now, the staff and community who loved her are simply remembering a remarkable little animal who lived a long, happy life and made her mark on those around her.