The Woodland Park Zoo euthanized a 19-year-old, male elk April 13 due to a decline in health from age-related concerns, including limited mobility, joint discomfort and poor eyesight.

Despite treatments that included anti-inflammatory medication for the control of joint associated discomfort, the life of the elk, named Woody, had become compromised, according to a zoo press release.

The elk arrived at the zoo as a young calf in 1991.

During recent weeks, the zoo’s animal management and animal health staff had been closely monitoring the elk’s mobility, condition and pain levels, according to the press release.

“It became increasingly apparent he was in discomfort from suspected osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, not uncommon in geriatric animals, including humans,” Dr. Darin Collins, the zoo’s director of animal health, said in the press release. “Our staff had successfully managed his arthritid joint disease with supplements; however, during the last month he began declining in his comfort level with signs of increased mobility challenges and a reduced appetite. Euthanizing the animal was the most humane option in his continued care.”

As standard procedure, the zoo’s animal health team is conducting a necropsy, and final pathology findings are pending, according to the press release.

The elk’s skeletal remains will become part of the collection at The Burke Museum for research and education purposes.

In the wild, the life expectancy of male elks is 16 years. In captivity, elk can live 18 to 22 years due to the evolving field of medical science and animal care.

The zoo is exploring options to replace the deceased elk.

“It’s always difficult to lose an animal we have cared for like Woody," Mike Teller, an interim curator at the zoo, said in the press release. "His old age is a strong testament to the excellent care he received throughout his lifetime here at the zoo."

Four female elk ranging in age from 11 to 20 years old remain at the zoo's Northern Trail exhibit.