Wisconsin zoo mourns unexpected loss of 17-year-old giraffe

The Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin introduced that one in all its giraffes died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning.

The giraffe, Bahatika, or Baha for brief, was being watched carefully by workers on the zoo for the previous few weeks, zoo officers stated, as he was experiencing well being points associated to his age.

Baha was 17 years previous, and based on the Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums, surpassed the common life expectancy of 14 years previous, for male giraffes dwelling in zoos.

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Zoo officers stated Baha’s passing was surprising and that the power’s Giraffe Constructing can be closed on Wednesday to permit zookeepers time to mourn whereas additionally giving them time to provide the opposite giraffes within the herd consideration.

Though the precise reason for demise is unknown, zoo officers stated they might share necropsy outcomes as soon as obtainable.

Giraffes on the Milwaukee County Zoo (Milwaukee County Zoo)

Baha lived most of his life on the Milwaukee County Zoo.

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He was born on the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs in June 2005 and transported to Milwaukee in Might 2006.

“He grew up at MCZ, and Zoo workers and friends watched him go from a gangly half-grown calf to a good-looking bull over the previous 17 years,” the zoo stated in a press launch. “Baha has been MCZ’s breeding bull for the previous decade, fathering 4 male calves with giraffe Ziggy, and fathering three feminine calves with giraffe Marlee.”

Zoo officers stated he was the most important giraffe within the herd and was straightforward to acknowledge along with his bumpy face.

He was additionally pleasant and outgoing and allowed friends to feed him at public feedings or behind the scenes excursions.

Not solely that, Baha was additionally the primary giraffe within the herd to permit veterinary workers to attract blood, he participated in hoof radiographs, and took half in a examine requiring he and his sister Rahna to put on trackers someday every week, usually presenting his leg on cue to permit zookeepers to place the bracelet on.

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The zoo stated Baha’s reminiscence will dwell on by way of his offspring, together with three on the zoo named Asante, Maya and Poppy.