SEATTLE - A 16-year-old male pony, Cherokee, passed away this week at Woodland Park Zoo following several days of a decreased appetite and diarrhea. The pony was under veterinary care at the time of its death. The exact cause of death is pending pathology test results. Ten ponies remain in the zoo’s herd.

The zoo has discontinued pony rides in January 2006 for an indefinite period until a new pony trail is constructed.

Zoo visitors can enjoy other interactive experiences and free public programs including up-close encounters with farm animals, updates on the elephants, the Discovery Barn and more. This is the final weekend of the zoo’s summer hours - 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Beginning September 15, the zoo opens from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Check out the zoo’s Web site at www.zoo.org or call 206.684.4800 for more information and how to become a zoo member.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, top award-winning Woodland ParkZoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.