At 31, Rose Marie was one of the oldest Przewalski’s horses in the world; the median life expectancy for a domestic Przewalski's horse is about 15 years. | Photo: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Rose Marie, a 31-year-old Przewalski’s horse mare who resided at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, in Washington D.C., was euthanized July 6 due to her declining health and quality of life.

Rose Marie was one of the oldest Przewalski’s horses in the world. The median life expectancy for a Przewalski’s horse is about 15 years in human care. A final pathology report will provide more information in the coming weeks.

Keepers and veterinarians worked extensively with Rose Marie to manage her health and provide her with the highest standard of care possible as she aged. Recently, routine activities and behaviors were becoming increasingly difficult for her, and her hoof and gait issues were becoming progressively worse. Due to Rose Marie’s poor long-term prognosis, keepers and veterinarians made the decision to euthanize her