The Erie Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its longtime animal ambassadors.
Darla, an 11-and-a-half-year-old Visayan warty pig, passed away following unexpected complications related to anesthesia after a routine sedated veterinary exam. Zoo officials say Darla showed no signs of health concerns before the procedure, with only minor changes noted in bloodwork during the examination.
According to the zoo, Darla recovered normally from anesthesia and was closely monitored by her care team after the exam. However, the following morning, keepers noticed she was lethargic. Her condition continued to worsen despite close observation, prompting immediate treatment by veterinary staff.
During treatment, Darla unexpectedly went into cardiopulmonary arrest. Veterinary professionals performed CPR for approximately 30 minutes, but despite their efforts, Darla could not be revived.
A necropsy has been completed, and additional testing is underway to determine whether any underlying medical conditions may have contributed to her death. Zoo officials say those conditions were not evident during her routine examination.
Darla arrived at the Erie Zoo from the Los Angeles Zoo in October 2016 and quickly became a favorite among staff and visitors alike. Keepers remember her as a vocal and energetic pig who eagerly anticipated mealtimes and loved receiving belly scratches and face rubs.
She was also known for her playful personality, often racing into the yard with what staff affectionately called “piggy zoomies” after being let out in the mornings. Darla enjoyed building elaborate nests using leaves, straw, and enrichment materials provided by her caretakers.
Her companion, Ernie, is being closely monitored and is reportedly doing well as he adjusts to life without her.
Zoo officials are asking the community to keep staff and volunteers in their thoughts as they grieve the loss of a cherished member of the zoo family and a valued ambassador for the endangered Visayan warty pig species.