Condolences to all the Horse And Tram Authority staff on the sudden passing of Albert. He was one of the public’s favorite carriage horses and will be sorely missed by all. We know how close the staff are to all the horses in the HTA as they are extended family to you all. Wishing you all the best in this sad time, he will be forever remembered.
Dear Megan,
On behalf of Council Watch Fleurieu, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to you, the Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram Authority Board, staff, volunteers and everyone associated with the tramway following the death of Albert.
We also recognise that many members of the wider Victor Harbor community will feel his loss.
For 13 years Albert was a familiar sight making the journey between Victor Harbor and Granite Island. During that time he must have carried many thousands of residents and visitors and became much more than simply one of the horses working the tramway.
Many of us saw Albert regularly when walking across the Causeway. His size, calm temperament and gentle nature made him particularly memorable, and the description of him as a “gentle giant” seems entirely appropriate.
We note the recent ABC report states that Albert became unwell on Friday and died the following morning, aged 18, and that veterinarians subsequently confirmed tumours as the cause of his illness and death.
Given the considerable community affection for Albert, we would appreciate some further clarification if the Authority is able to provide it.
Could you please advise what type of tumours were identified and whether they were known to exist before Albert became acutely ill, or whether their presence was only discovered during the veterinary investigation associated with his final illness?
We would also appreciate clarification as to whether the veterinary assessment has established that Albert’s illness and death were unrelated to the flu-like illness that affected a number of the tramway horses earlier this year.
We ask these questions respectfully and in the interests of providing the community with accurate information. They should not detract from recognising Albert’s long service to Victor Harbor or the loss undoubtedly being felt by those who worked with and cared for him.
Albert was part of the Victor Harbor landscape for 13 years. His contribution to one of the city’s best-known attractions deserves to be recognised and remembered.
Please convey our condolences particularly to those staff and volunteers who worked closely with Albert and cared for him over those years.
Kind regards,
Keith Climpson
Secretary
Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.
