Julio the macaw, a Sacramento Zoo favorite for decades, dies
Julio, the bright blue-and-gold macaw that greeted generations of Sacramento Zoo visitors as one of its most beloved attractions, has died, zoo officials announced Tuesday.
The cause was cardiac arrest, which occurred while the exotic bird was under anesthesia for a veterinary procedure last week. He was 34 years old, according to Bee research.
“Our veterinary team acted immediately, but their efforts could not revive him,” said Sacramento Zoo officials, who Tuesday hailed Julio as a “true icon” as they continued to come to grips with his loss.
“Everyone at the Sacramento Zoo feels Julio’s absence deeply, especially those who worked closely with him for so many years,” officials said in a social media post announcing Julio’s death. “We ask our community to keep those close to Julio in your thoughts as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.”
Julio, known for his radiant plumage and outgoing personality, had lived at the zoo since 1992. He joined its Animal Ambassador Program at the age of 1.
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“Over the years, Julio became a true icon of our ambassador team. He entertained and educated thousands of guests, members, and schoolchildren through stage shows, presentations, and countless special appearances,” Sacramento Zoo said in a social media post Tuesday announcing the news. “Julio embraced every opportunity to connect with people in his own special way.”
Zoo officials said Julio especially excelled during enrichment and training sessions.
He “was always eager to show off his intelligence and curiosity, from mastering new behaviors to enthusiastically exploring every new toy or puzzle presented to him,” the post read.
Following the announcement, comments flooded the Sacramento Zoo’s Facebook page. Many thanked the zoo for sharing Julio with the public, saying they were grateful for the chance to see him.
One commenter wrote simply, “May he rest in Paradise.”
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