(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — On Monday, Oct. 21 The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced the passing of one of its equine members after a severe case of Colic.
On Sunday, Oct. 20 during routine care, a member of the Mounted Unit noticed Zulu was having a medical issue and immediately called for veterinary care. Zulu was taken to a veterinary hospital and after a review of his symptoms and testing, the veterinarian confirmed Zulu had a case of Colic.
The American College of Veterinary Surgeons said Colic is a general term that refers to abdominal pain in horses.
EPSO said several attempts were made to treat Zulu but were unsuccessful. According to EPSO, the difficult decision was made by Sheriff Roybal and the Mounted Unit leadership to end Zulu’s pain and suffering and humanely euthanize him.
Zulu was described as a 20-year-old gentle giant, an Andalusian Quarter horse cross, who had served EPSO for nearly a decade. Zulu worked in countless parades, presidential details, advanced training, schools, rescue operations, and searches, including work on the Gannon Stauch case.
“I am saddened to announce Zulu’s untimely death and mourn both with our Mounted Unit and community,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Zulu was a staple for our Mounted Unit team, always dependable and ready to work. Just this weekend, our Mounted Unit attended a community event where hundreds of families enjoyed learning about our Mounted Unit and engaging with our deputies and their equine partners. We will miss Zulu. His absence will be greatly noticed as we continue our mission of serving and protecting our citizens.”
