Randall Oaks Zoo's oldest animal dies
The oldest animal at Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee, a 20-year-old deer named Pepper, has died.
The zoo announced Pepper was euthanized on Dec. 19 after suffering from a variety of ailments in recent months, including age-related arthritis. The zoo said fallow deer in the wild live to an average age of 16.
Pepper arrived at River Oaks from the Santa's Village Azoosment Park in 2004 and shared living quarters with his favorite companion, a goat named Pumpkin.
According to the zoo, Pepper quickly became one of the most-popular animals for visitors and the staff at Randall Oaks, and was known for his friendly smile.
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