Brevard County

Brevard Zoo’s Sammy the camel dies unexpectedly

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Brevard Zoo announced Friday that Sammy, one of the Zoo’s Dromedary camels, died unexpectedly this week.

Zoo officials said Sammy seemed normal Thursday morning, but suddenly became unresponsive. They said there were no signs of any issues with Sammy before he died, but he’ll be taken to the UF Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy and histopathology analyses.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Officials said there are no indications that Sammy’s brother, Frankie, is experiencing any issues, but testing is underway just in case.

Sammy and Frankie came to the Zoo together in 2009.

Read: Brevard Zoo nominated as one of the best zoos in North America

Zoo workers described Sammy as “feisty” and “loveable.” They said he loved wallowing in puddles, getting his nail trimmed, and enjoying his snacks.

“He is just an amazing animal and I feel lucky that I have gotten to work him all these years,” animal keeper Vanessa Kunz said. “I will always remember him.”

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.