City of Tucson issued the following announcement on Sept. 23.
Denver, Reid Park Zoo’s geriatric giraffe, was humanely euthanized this morning, Sept. 23, due to declining quality of life, related to health concerns common in geriatric animals. At an incredible 32 years old, Denver was the second-oldest giraffe in her Species Survival Plan, and far exceeded her species median life expectancy of 20 years. She was the oldest giraffe ever at Reid Park Zoo. Denver was very healthy throughout most of her long life. However, in the last month, she had been eating less and losing muscle mass. Her movement had become less fluid, and she developed tenderness in her hip area. “Despite successful long-term treatments and therapies, it became clear these conditions could no longer be medically managed and the decision to proceed with humane euthanasia was in Denver’s best interest,” said Dr. Alexis Roth, chief veterinarian at Reid Park Zoo. After Denver was euthanized, her three herd mates had the opportunity to see her and say goodbye. Zoo animal care staff will monitor the herd in the coming weeks to be sure all three are well, as the dynamics will shift with the loss of Denver.
Original source can be found here.
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