Young Howler Monkey Dies at National Zoo
Loki was euthanized "because she was ill from complications of metabolic bone disease," according to the National Zoo.
A young black howler monkey died Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Loki—born March 22, 2010, to first-time parents Chula (her mother) and Pele (her father)—was euthanized "because she was ill from complications of metabolic bone disease," the zoo said. The zoo described the disease as a vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus imbalance. It is most often caused by lack of sunlight (ultraviolet light), lack of dietary intake of vitamin D and/or the body’s inability to properly metabolize these compounds. "For five days, Loki was treated in the hospital with injectable vitamins, iron [and] calcium and exposed to direct sunlight while receiving around-the-clock nursing care," the zoo said. "A blood transfusion was provided from [her…
