Fiona, the endangered small dun Przewalski mare that took the internet by storm after landing at Utah’s Lazy B Equine Rescue in June, has passed away.
The sad news was shared by the rescue stating that despite the hopes of many, Fiona’s health deteriorated, and the rescue farm made the difficult decision to say goodbye to her under the guidance of veterinary professionals.
Through recent DNA testing at Texas A&M University, Fiona was identified as a Przewalski horse, a rare and endangered subspecies native to Central Asia. Following the news, Fiona was cared for attentively at Lazy B Equine, where she received specialized feed, supplements, and companionship from other equines.
However, bloodwork revealed Fiona was anemic, with a dangerously low red blood cell count. These symptoms suggested she might have suffered from internal bleeding, likely due to colic, or organ failure associated with old age. It was confirmed that Fiona was in her mid-20s, a remarkable age for a Przewalski horse. After considering her condition, declining health, and lack of will to stand, the rescue team, with guidance from their vet, made the compassionate choice to let Fiona go peacefully.
“We are all devastated,” wrote Lazy B Equine in their statement. “From myself, my family, our volunteers, and social media supporters, everyone who followed Fiona’s story … we are heartbroken.”
The rescue acknowledged the potential backlash they might face from those questioning their decisions, addressing common criticisms directly. Lazy B Equine stressed that every step they took was in Fiona’s best interest, guided by advice from veterinary and zoo professionals who specialize in caring for animals like Fiona. They explained the complexities of reintroducing Fiona to other Przewalski horses, emphasizing that, as an endangered species with only about 2,500 remaining, specific health and genetic protocols must be followed before such interactions can happen.
While some have suggested Fiona should have been placed in a zoo, the rescue clarified that they had explored this option, but zoos typically only accept stallions for breeding programs. Throughout her stay, Lazy B Equine said they provided Fiona with a loving environment, companionship, and the best care possible to ensure she could live peacefully and comfortably.
The rescue ended their statement with a heartfelt message, reflecting on Fiona’s final moments: “What matters most is that Fiona was surrounded by so much love in her final moments, and her suffering is over. We can’t control how others respond, but we can hold on to the knowledge that we did everything in our power to give her a peaceful life and a dignified goodbye.”
