In Providence, Rhode Island, zoo officials, staff and visitors are heartbroken after a popular 13-year-old giraffe at the Roger Williams Park Zoo was euthanized after health problems making it nearly impossible for him to stand.
According to the zoo’s Facebook page, in June, Jaffa, a male Masai giraffe, underwent a foot trim procedure for a chronic hoof issue. The staff worked with experts from other zoos who all collaborated, hoping for the best post surgery results.
For a time, it seemed Jaffa had been making progress from the initial trim, but then experienced a setback needing additional medical evaluation. The specialists returned and tried their best to treat the giraffe with antibiotics and custom-made shoes while his arthritis was treated with stem cells.
After suffering a fall that resulted in his inability to stand, the team made the very difficult decision to humanely euthanize Jaffa. He was surrounded by those who loved and cared for him.
We know this loss will be felt by many who loved him, especially Jaffa’s dedicated caregivers. Please keep them in your thoughts on this very difficult day. If you have remembrances of Jaffa that you would like to share, please post your photos and thoughts here so that our Zoo family may see your kind words and remembrances.
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The average life span of Masai giraffe is estimated to be between 10 – 15 years in the wild, however in captivity with human care, they can live between 20 – 27 years. The species is distinguished by jagged and irregular spots on their bodies, and they are the largest bodied giraffe species, making them the tallest land animal on Earth.
Rest in peace Jaffa.
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