Pueblo’s beloved camel Presley dies unexpectedly: ‘His spirit will forever remain a part of the Pueblo Zoo’

PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) - The Pueblo Zoo is mourning one of its dearest longtime residents.

Presley the camel, who has called the zoo home for more than nine years, died unexpectedly late last month.

“It is with heavy hearts that Pueblo Zoo announces the passing of our beloved camel, Presley,” the zoo said in a news release Wednesday morning.

Presley originally hailed from St. Louis and moved to Colorado when he was a year old.

“[He] quickly became a favorite among both staff and visitors due to his vibrant personality and gentle demeanor,” the zoo said. “... His loss is a profound one for our staff, who shared countless memories and forged deep bonds with him. Presley was more than just an animal; he was a cherished member of the zoo family, embodying the spirit of resilience and the joy of connection.”

The zoo said Presley was the definition of resilience.

“In 2022, he suffered a broken jaw that required expert care at Colorado State University (CSU) Fort Collins. Despite this setback, he made a remarkable recovery, only to face another challenge with a broken toe. For a two-toed ungulate, this could have been a devastating blow, but thanks to the dedication of our veterinary team and the specialists at CSU, Presley underwent a successful amputation and rehabilitation. After a year of hard work, he returned to his exhibit, bringing joy to everyone who met him.”

One of those joyful memories is the 10th birthday party thrown for him over the summer:

“We extend our deepest condolences to our dedicated staff and the community who loved Presley dearly. He will be missed, but his spirit will forever remain a part of Pueblo Zoo,” the zoo said.