An 18-year-old reticulated giraffe named Riley, who had become a fixture at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, died Thursday.
According to zoo officials, Riley had been struggling with “some age-related challenges with his mobility” — including arthritis — in recent months. He seemed to be doing well, according to a news release from the zoo.
(Hogle Zoo) A crane was brought in to try to lift Riley the giraffe back on his feet, but the effort was unsuccessful.
But on Thursday morning, zoo staffers discovered Riley was unable to stand on his own.
Zoo staff, emergency personnel from the Salt Lake City Fire Department and a crane from Wagstaff Crane Service tried to get the approximately 17-foot-tall, 2,000-pound giraffe back on his feet but were unsuccessful. He died later in the day.
“Hogle Zoo staff and our partners who showed up immediately to assist with this giraffe emergency did everything possible to help Riley, but his condition was too advanced,” said Dr. Erika Crook, Hogle Zoo’s director of animal health.
According to Hogle’s associate director of animal care, Bob Cisneros, the average life span for a male reticulated giraffe is 14.7 years.
“Riley was truly a giant — without a doubt. The first animal to stand out amongst others as guests first enter the zoo,” Cisneros said. “He touched the hearts of many as a tall and dignified ambassador, especially during our giraffe feeds.”
Riley arrived at Utah’s Hogle Zoo on June 30, 2004, and sired six giraffe calves. The zoo’s African Savanna is home to two female reticulated giraffes — 4-year-old Minka and 3-year-old Stephanie.
Follow @ScottDPierce