PEORIA, Ill. – The Peoria Zoo is mourning the passing of one of their giraffes.
The zoo announced that Taji was humanely euthanized on Tuesday.
Taji had received specialized shoes earlier this year after a broken bone was discovered on his left foot. But the zoo says Taji’s care team on Monday had observed that he was unable to stand, even with assistance.
Taji arrived at the zoo in July of 2007 as a one-year-old, and as one of the original occupants of the zoo’s Africa exhibit. The zoo says that at 17 years old, Taji surpassed the median life expectancy for a male giraffe in managed care.
“People were often intimidated standing close to Taji due to his imposing presence, but he was amazingly gentle, connecting with visitors as he delicately took food from their hands,” stated Yvonne Strode, Zoo Director.
Taji’s mate, Vivian, and companion Emy, remain in the giraffe exhibit. The zoo says it will reach out to the Giraffe Species Survival Program in regards to future additions to the giraffe population.
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