Miami

Patty, Oldest Recorded Tree Kangaroo, Dies at Zoo Miami

The oldest tree kangaroo in recorded history has died at Zoo Miami, officials said Wednesday.

Patty, a Matchie's tree kangaroo, was over 27 years old. Officials said her "extremely advanced age" had begun to take its toll, as she lost her appetite and significant weight.

"Patty made a significant impact on educating the public about the beauty and wonder of these amazing animals while directly contributing to their endangered population by producing four very important offspring," the zoo said in a statement. "Though she will be terribly missed, the staff and volunteers at Zoo Miami are proud to have provided her with the type of environment that enabled her to live a record breaking long life."

Patty was born at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, in August 1988 and arrived one year later at Zoo Miami. During her time at Zoo Miami, Patty became known for her paintings that were featured in art shows.

The tragic loss is the second for Zoo Miami this month, after a young giraffe died in what officials called a "freak accident."

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