Denver, the oldest giraffe ever at the Reid Park Zoo, was euthanized Thursday because of health concerns common in geriatric animals.
At 32 years old, Denver was the second-oldest giraffe in her Species Survival Plan and exceeded the median life expectancy by 12 years.
“Losing Denver is much bigger than her herd saying goodbye,” said Dr. Sue Tygielski, director of zoo operations in a news release. “Our three remaining giraffes will miss her, but her passing is profoundly sad for all of her human fans as well. She touched so many staff over the years as a gentle and curious giraffe.”
Giraffes at Reid Park Zoo got to prance around in some light rain during one of Tucson's calmer monsoon storms.
In a Thursday Twitter post from Reid Park Zoo, the zoo's giraffe herd can be seen excitedly frolicking around the outdoor enclosures during some midday showers.
The giraffes are taken to their barn for safety during harsher storms that involve lightning, the Reid Park Zoo post mentioned.
Video courtesy Reid Park Zoo.
According to a news release from Reid Park Zoo, Denver was healthy throughout her life, but in the last month she had been eating less, her movement had become less fluid and she developed tenderness in her hip area.
Dr. Alexis Roth, the chief veterinarian at Reid Park Zoo, said it became clear Denver’s conditions could no longer be medically managed, and humane euthanasia was in her best interest.
Reid Park Zoo’s other giraffes, Jasiri, 10, Penelope, 3, and Sota, 2, had the opportunity to say goodbye to Denver. The zoo’s staff will monitor the giraffes in the coming weeks to make sure they are well as the herd dynamics shift.
“Denver was an incredible ambassador for her species and will be deeply missed at the zoo,” said Nancy Kluge, Reid Park Zoological Society’s president and CEO, in a news release. “Over the years she inspired millions of people to connect with nature and to care about giraffes as a species, and she brought the zoo staff joy every day.”
Photos: Oldest giraffe at Reid Park Zoo dies at age 32
Danver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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Scott Barton, Reid Park zoo curator, feeds Denver the giraffe in 2004.
Danver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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Eight year-old Kieanna Smith is a bit surprised when 17 year-old female giraffe "Denver" uses Smith's head as a brace to reach for some kale at the giraffe feeding station at Reid Park Zoo in 2006.
Danver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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Shawn Giblin feeds 17 year-old female giraffe "Denver" as his daughter helps out at the giraffe feeding station at Reid Park Zoo in 2006.
Danver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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Students from Academy del Sol Charter School feed carrots to Denver the giraffe at the Reid Park Zoo on Feb. 1, 2019. Denver turned 30-years-old, a milestone for giraffes, whose normal life expectancy is 25 years. She's a few months younger than the oldest giraffe in the nation, according to the zoo. What's her secret? She eats well and watches her weight. Her mom lived to age 32.
Danver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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Denver the giraffe at the Reid Park Zoo on Feb. 1, 2019.
Danver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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Zookeeper Karen Toca places a blended yam frozen "popsicle" treat as Denver, a female reticulated giraffe, looks on as zookeepers keep the Reid Park Zoo's animals cool in the summer temperatures on June 25, 2016.
Danver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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"Maggie", the new baby giraffe at the Reid Park Zoo, gets a tender lick from her mother, Denver, during the morning hours of her first day out in the exhibit since her birth in 1998.
Danver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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"Tommi," the newest addition to the giraffe herd in 2000, seen here with two of the adults (her mom, Denver, is right behind her) She was born July 5, (6ft., 162 lbs.) shortly after the zoo opened, the 8th offspring in the last 6 years. She's named in honor of Dr. Thomas Miller, Reid Park zoo veterinarian, who passed away May 21, 2000. This is Denver's 4th offspring, after a 15 month pregnancy.
Danver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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Denver, a reticulated giraffe at the Reid Park Zoo, curiously pokes her head through a chute in 2002.
Denver, giraffe, Reid Park Zoo
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Scott Barton (left), general curator for the Reid Park Zoo, watches as Camille Sanders, 22, months, feeds a biscuit to Denver the giraffe in 2004.
