Dakota, the bull bison at Lords Park Zoo, died Sunday from complications from an upper respiratory infection. He was 18-years old.
Dakota was being treated by Seneca Bovine Veterinary Services in Marengo, Ill, after displaying respiratory problems on Dec. 10. Antibiotics were administered on Dec. 11, with a second series given on Dec. 22.
The life expectancy of wild bison is 15 years. Two female bison remain at the zoo: Cahoya born in 1987 and Pokey, born in 1991.
Dakota's illness was not believed to be contagious.