"Khao Kheow Zoo" announces sad news "Mother Winnie" (Wilson), a 22-year-old giant anteater, has passed away peacefully. Initial examinations found heart failure.
On 23 May 2026, the Facebook pageKhao Kheow Open Zooposted a statement saying, "Khao Kheow Open Zoo wishes to inform that 'Mother Winnie (Wilson),' a female giant anteater aged 22 years and 2 months, peacefully passed away on 19 May 2026."
The zoo's veterinarians conducted an initial examination and found heart failure that led to internal organ failure, causing sudden death. Typically, giant anteaters in the wild live about 10 to 14 years, but in zoos, they can live up to 20 years. Mother Winnie (Wilson) had been under the zoo's care for a long time and was beloved by staff and many visitors.
Regarding 'Nong Gopgap,' Mother Winnie's giant anteater offspring, the veterinary team and animal keepers are closely monitoring health, weight, eating habits, excretion, and general behavior. So far, Nong Gopgap is healthy, eating well, and fully cared for by the staff.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo thanks everyone for their support and concern for Nong Gopgap (the giant anteater offspring) as well as all staff involved during this time. The zoo also remembers the charm of Mother Winnie (Wilson), who will remain in everyone's memory forever."
Thanks to the Facebook page of Khao Kheow Open Zoo