We are saddened to share that Ulysses, our 25 year old Plains zebra, passed away in the overnight hours between November 9 and 10.

Ulysses was born on April 13, 2000, at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and came to Como Zoo in January 2002. Over his 23 years here, he became one of the most familiar and recognizable residents at Como. If you’ve visited in the last 20 years, chances are you’ve met Ulysses. He roamed between both African Hoofstock habitats and made friends with whatever species he was living with at the time, including giraffe, tortoise, and ostrich. Keepers often joked that he was the “surrogate weird uncle” to many giraffe calves through the years.

Uly weighed around 550 pounds, enjoyed carrots and yam, and loved to nap in the sunshine. He sired ten offspring during his lifetime continuing his legacy beyond Como. Uly was the second oldest male Plains zebra in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) population.

A necropsy will help us better understand the cause of his passing, but for now our focus remains on supporting one another and the animals in our care.

Ulysses was part of Como for more than two decades, and his calm nature and steady presence made him a favorite among visitors and staff alike. He will be greatly missed.

🦓 Thank you for helping us remember Ulysses.