Attacked coyote returns to exhibit as zoo increases safety measures

The following is a news release from the city of Pocatello.

POCATELLO — A coyote who calls Zoo Idaho home is taking a leap forward in her recovery from an attack earlier this month.

This week, Ky was given the OK to return to her exhibit following a visit with her veterinarian. Peter Pruett, Zoo Idaho Superintendent, says that Ky’s condition is improving daily and doctors felt she was responding well enough to her treatment to return home. Staff, under the direction of veterinarians, will continue treating the coyote as needed with antibiotics and pain management medicine.

“We’re happy to see Ky back in her home,” said Pruett. “This is a big step not only in Ky’s healing but also for the zoo staff. Just like people, animals get antsy when they’re cooped up for too long. While the holding area is good for a short-term stay, she’ll be able to better recover in her own home.”

Zoo officials met with representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wednesday about the incident that left Odie, the other coyote in the exhibit, dead. During the meeting, USDA officials inspected the exhibit and perimeter fence. Staff also outlined what steps and preventive measures they’re taking to reinforce the exhibit.

“We’ve added more electrified wire to the outside of the enclosure to deter any outside animals from venturing too close to the exhibit,” Pruett said. “On the inside, we’ll be adding a wire mesh to the lower portion of the fence to prevent our coyote from being able to reach out.”

Following the attack, zoo staff installed a game camera, like those typically used by big-game hunters, near the exhibit in hopes of catching whatever was responsible returning to the enclosure. So far, the camera has not returned a picture of the suspected culprit.

“Once we find out exactly what was responsible, we can look to further improve our exhibits so that something like this is very unlikely to happen again,” said Pruett.